Hundreds of students at the Technical University of Kenya (TUK) experienced confusion and delays on Monday after the institution denied entrance to students who had not cleared tuition fees.
In a spot check by The Kenya Times at the school’s main entrance, students caused a disruption after being denied entry.
According to accounts shared on social media, only students who had met fee requirements and carried valid examination cards were allowed into the school premises.
Following the disruption, the school’s senate has issued a memo suspending the remaining exams till further notice. Students have also been informed to vacate the school premises latest 1.30PM.
“The University Senate regrets to inform all students that, due to disruption of examinations by a few students today, all examinations scheduled for today at 11.00 a.m., 2.00 p.m., and 4.00 p.m. that had not commenced or had not been completed stand suspended,” read the notice
The disruption follows an official notice issued by the University Academic Registrar confirming that examinations were rescheduled from 18th May–30th May 2026 to 25th May–9th June 2026 due to a Matatu-linked strike in the country.
Strict Entry Checks at Examination Points
At all entry points of the institution, students were required to present both their examination cards and identification documents for verification.
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Those who could not produce valid documentation or whose records indicated outstanding fee balances were reportedly denied entry.
This led to long queues at the gates as verification continued, with some students waiting for extended periods.
As the situation unfolds, it has been reported that students who were allowed to take the exams have rejected the exam cards because other students have been denied exams.
Along the enterprise road, students caused disruption, showing dissatisfaction with the school’s decision.
Suspension Follows Disruption of Exams
According to the Senate notice, the decision to suspend part of the examinations was prompted by disruptions that affected scheduled papers during the day. The university said the interruptions prevented some examinations from proceeding or being completed, forcing administrators to halt the affected sessions.
The institution emphasized that the disruptions were linked to actions by a few students, which escalated tensions during the examination period. As a result, management opted to suspend the affected papers and reorganize the examination flow to safeguard academic integrity.
The university also reinforced strict conditions for examination access, requiring all eligible students to present valid examination identification documents, including validated exam cards.
Students who had not cleared fees by the set deadline of Sunday, 24th May 2026 at 6.00 p.m., will not be eligible to sit for the affected examinations. Instead, they will be required to attend special examinations scheduled for August 2026, subject to full compliance with university requirements.
The university has also ordered all students to vacate the main campus by 1.30 p.m. on the same day. The decision comes alongside the introduction of enhanced security measures aimed at ensuring that upcoming examinations proceed in a peaceful and controlled setting.
TUK Schedule Exams Amid Matatu Strike Disruption
The current examination period follows an earlier rescheduling by TUK after the Senate moved the exam dates due to disruptions caused by a matatu strike in the country.
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The matatu strike had affected Nairobi’s transport networks, limiting student and staff movement and prompting the university to adjust the academic calendar.
In its official notice, the university stated that the decision was intended to ensure fairness and allow all candidates adequate time and access to examination venues.
The administration also expressed regret over any inconvenience caused by the changes and appealed for cooperation from students and staff as the revised timetable is implemented.
“This is to notify all students and staff that the End-of-Semester 2 Examinations for the 2025/2026 Academic Year, originally scheduled to run from 18th May, 2026 to 30th May, 2026, have been rescheduled to run from 25th May, 2026 to 9th June, 2026. This decision was made during the second Special Senate Meeting held on 18th May, 2026 at 7:45 p.m., convened in response to the ongoing matatu strike, which has disrupted the movement of students and staff,” read the notice in part.
