Multimedia University of Kenya (MMU) descended into chaos on Monday, June 8, after students took to the school compound in protest following the abrupt postponement of examinations, triggering a heavy security response that saw teargas fired and a live round reportedly discharged.
An official internal memorandum issued by the Office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs, Research and Innovation confirmed that all scheduled examinations had been halted due to administrative challenges.
The memo, dated June 8, 2026, and addressed to faculty deans, directors and heads of departments, directed staff to inform students of the delay and advise them to await further communication, effectively bringing academic activity to a standstill.
“Please be informed that, due to challenges being experienced in the administration of examinations, the scheduled examinations will be delayed,” the memo reads in part.
The communication, signed by Deputy Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Eng. Livingstone M. H. Ngoo, did not elaborate on the nature of the challenges, but coincided with mounting anger among students who had already prepared to sit for end-of-semester tests.
Multimedia University Protests Escalate
The delay sparked immediate protests across the campus, with students expressing frustration over what they viewed as poor planning and lack of communication by the university administration.
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What began as demonstrations quickly escalated into a tense confrontation, prompting the deployment of security officers within and around the university.
Witness accounts from inside the campus indicated that teargas was fired to disperse protesting students, with panic spreading as learners fled from affected areas. Reports from the ground further indicated that at least one live bullet was discharged during the standoff, intensifying fears among students.
Movement within sections of the campus was disrupted as the situation deteriorated, forcing many students to abandon planned academic activities and seek safety.
A separate message circulated to class representatives confirmed that examinations had been delayed, urging students to remain patient as the university works on a new way forward.
“I wish to inform you that there’s a delay in the administration of the examinations. Kindly be patient as we wait for further communication,” the message stated.
This follows a string of recent unrest in Kenyan universities, including at the Technical University of Kenya and the University of Nairobi, where academic disruptions have repeatedly triggered protests and drawn police response.
Pressure on Ministry of Education
The unrest at Multimedia University comes at a time when the Ministry of Education is grappling with mounting pressure across the higher education sector, driven by deep financial and structural challenges.
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Public universities are currently weighed down by a growing debt crisis, with pending bills approaching Ksh100 billion, raising concerns about sustainability and threatening normal operations, including the administration of examinations and academic programs.
At the same time, the Ministry has faced difficulties implementing a new university funding model, which has drawn criticism for high fees, inaccurate student data, and concerns about affordability, leaving many students dissatisfied and increasing tensions on campuses.
Delays in the disbursement of funds, particularly through the Higher Education Loans Board, have further compounded the situation, with hundreds of thousands of students affected by gaps in financial support.
At the same time, recurring disputes with lecturers and university staff over pay and working conditions have repeatedly disrupted learning, placing additional strain on the Ministry’s ability to maintain stability across institutions.
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