Crisis in public universities as strikes disrupt learning

From a standoff over the new funding model to prolonged industrial action by lecturers, thousands of students have been left in limbo, with learning activities grinding to a halt. 

According to student leaders under the Elimu Bora Working Group, the disruption has caused immense mental anguish, leaving many students uncertain about completing their coursework or sitting for exams on time. 

Graduation plans for some students have also been thrown into disarray.

The leaders are now calling for an immediate resolution to the standoff, citing the significant mental and financial strain on students who remain in school without attending classes. 

The lecturers’ strike, which has entered its fourth week, continues to paralyze learning in public universities. 

The industrial action, led by the University Academic Staff Union (UASU), has created widespread agitation among students, who now fear losing an entire semester.

"A lot of learners are not sure if they will graduate this December or even sit their end-of-year exams,” said David Karani, a member of the Elimu Bora Working Group. Emmanuel Magawa, Founder and Executive Director of the Students' Caucus, added, “The quality of a semester is determined by the number of contact hours between lecturers and students. Without meeting this threshold, we cannot say there has been a successful academic year.”

Students say the prolonged strike is taking a toll on their mental well-being and finances. Many parents and guardians, already making sacrifices to fund university education, are now burdened by the extended period of stay for their children in school. 

“Parents are making significant sacrifices to keep their children in university. When the academic calendar is disrupted, it becomes an unnecessary financial burden on them,” lamented Karani.

This marks the second lecturers' strike in two months, following one that was suspended on September 26. The university lecturers accuse the government of failing to honor the return-to-work formula that ended the earlier strike. 

"If you have given a member 7%, it will show. Dons know how to calculate 7% and 4%. You cannot cheat them and expect UASU to be part of that manipulation. That, we will not do,” said UASU Secretary-General Constantine Wesonga during an earlier address.

Frustrated by the lack of resolution, students are now demanding urgent intervention by the government to restore normalcy in universities.

 “As the academic year nears its end in most universities, we urge the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Labor, and other relevant government bodies to prioritize an honest and timely resolution to this crisis,” said Karani. “Stakeholders must come together to solve this issue for the sake of the future generation.”

With no resolution in sight, students continue to endure the impact of the crisis, which threatens to derail their academic progress and jeopardize their future.