University Lecturers’ Strike Enters Second Week as Students Miss Classes

By Onchwari Collins

The ongoing strike by university lecturers and staff in Kenya has entered its second week, disrupting learning and leaving thousands of students uncertain about their academic schedules.

Lecturers participating in the strike have maintained that they will not return to the classrooms until the government addresses their demands, prolonging the disruption of academic activities in universities across the country.

The continued industrial action has raised concerns among students, who say the absence of classes is affecting their academic progress and worsening their financial challenges. Some students have urged the government and university staff union leaders to expedite negotiations and reach an agreement to enable learning to resume.

One student said the strike was affecting learners who continue to stay in hostels or at home without attending classes or engaging in meaningful academic activities.

“When lecturers are not paid their salaries, we are also affected because we cannot attend classes. We stay in hostels or at home doing nothing. We have no classes and no money. The government should listen to us and understand the situation we are going through because we are really suffering,” the student said.

Students have expressed hope that the government and lecturers’ union leaders will reach a lasting agreement to end the strike and prevent further disruption to the academic calendar.

However, the resumption of normal learning remains dependent on the outcome of negotiations between the government and the lecturers’ representatives, with students bearing the brunt of the prolonged standoff.