Transport Disrupted on Magadi Road as Multimedia University Students Protest

Transport on the busy Magadi Road came to a standstill on Tuesday morning as students from Multimedia University took to the streets in protest. The unrest was sparked by the university administration's failure to address critical issues raised by the student body, including a lack of water in the hostels, poor internet access, and inadequate maintenance of essential infrastructure.

The students, led by their union, have accused the university of neglect after several pleas for assistance went unanswered. According to Naomi Oketch, a student leader, the administration has been silent since the students issued a strike notice last Thursday. “We resorted to going on strike since our calls to the administration remained unanswered,” said Oketch.

Motorists using Magadi Road were caught in the chaos, with some stranded for hours as students blocked a section of the road, demanding immediate action from the university. The protesters are also calling for the repair of dysfunctional sockets in some hostels and the provision of study chairs, which they claim have been in short supply for months.

The disruption has had a significant impact on traffic flow, with authorities urging motorists to avoid the area until the situation is resolved.

The students have warned that protests will continue if the administration fails to address their demands. With studies already being affected by poor internet access and substandard living conditions, the students argue that their education and well-being are at stake.

The strike has drawn attention not only to the students' grievances but also to the broader issue of how universities handle essential services for their students. With rising enrollment in Kenyan universities, the strain on infrastructure and amenities has become a recurring problem. The incident at Multimedia University may serve as a wake-up call for other institutions facing similar issues.