Multimedia University took center stage on social media platform X as a wave of protests swept through the campus on a Tuesday morning. Students, fueled by frustration and determination, voiced their concerns over two pressing issues: missing marks for soon-to-be graduates and deplorable hostel conditions.
Emmanuel Shivachi, a prominent student mobilizer within the Multimedia University of Kenya Students Association (MUKSA), shared the students' grievances. "Students scheduled to graduate at the end of this month are facing the grim reality of missing marks, which could jeopardize their academic journeys," Shivachi declared.
Shivachi elaborated on the second major issue driving the protests—the woeful state of the university's hostels. "The majority of our hostels are antiquated, unsanitary, and devoid of essential amenities," he lamented. "To make matters worse, the hostel cleaning staff initiated a go-slow last week, leaving the accommodations in a deplorable state, exacerbated by a severe water shortage."
The demonstrations commenced as early as 4 am on Tuesday, with nearly all students choosing to spend the night on campus in preparation for the event. The meticulously planned protest was orchestrated by MUKSA, the student body representing the university's interests.
"Our student leaders made repeated attempts to address these pressing issues with the Vice-Chancellor, only to receive empty promises in return," Shivachi asserted. The students' demands are straightforward: the immediate resolution of the missing marks crisis for impending graduates and the restoration of sanitary conditions in the hostels.
Moreover, students are calling for expanded infrastructure to accommodate the growing student population. "We believe the institution has admitted more students than it can adequately cater for," Shivachi opined.
The demonstrations disrupted traffic along Magadi Road, prompting a police presence to maintain order and ensure the safety of all parties involved.
The Star reached out to Multimedia University's Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Paul Mbatia, who claimed to have no knowledge of the ongoing demonstrations. Similarly, Dr. Collins Wagumba, Dean of the Communications Faculty, professed ignorance regarding the students' motivations behind their protests.