Public university students are now warning that they will take to the streets if the government fails to resolve the ongoing lecturers’ strike within the next 24 hours. The students argue that the strike has left them idle, without classes, and in danger of losing an entire semester.
Many students say they have been spending most of their time in hostels or libraries, with no lessons taking place. The frustration stems from the prolonged industrial action by lecturers, who are demanding that the government settle Ksh.7.9 billion in arrears from the 2017–2021 CBA and begin fresh negotiations for the 2025–2029 CBA.
This disruption mirrors last year’s standoff, which forced the academic calendar to spill into the first quarter of 2025, delaying graduation timelines for thousands of learners.
Why Are Students So Frustrated?
Students believe the government’s inaction is jeopardizing their future. “Any delayed academic calendar, they shall compensate it. There’s an ongoing strike of lecturers; we shall not sit back and relax while these people are delaying our dreams in this nation,” said Desmond Mbare, a Kenyatta University student.
The uncertainty around exams and semester timelines has sparked anger across campuses. Victor Omondi, also from Kenyatta University, stated, “We demand a concrete public stated plan for the recovery of lost time, including a revised academic calendar to prevent this disruption from becoming a lost semester or delayed graduation for thousands of students.”
Students have made it clear they will not wait quietly. Valentine Nyanchama voiced their collective stance: “It’s remaining one month to our examination, and we are not seeing our lecturers in class; we are not going to retreat. We are here so that you can hear our voices. The government should address this issue in 24 hours; if not, we assure you we are going to be on the roads.”
The next 24 hours could determine whether the standoff ends with dialogue or escalates into student-led protests, adding pressure to an already heated education crisis.
By Lucky Anyanje
