By KPC Reporter
Kenyan public universities have begun shutting down operations as the lecturers’ strike enters its 50th day, paralysing learning across campuses.
Notices from Egerton and Pwani universities show a system buckling under pressure as industrial action by dons drags on with no end in sight.
Egerton University on Tuesday ordered students to vacate its premises by Wednesday, citing disruption caused by the strike.
“Teaching and learning activities are hereby suspended until the industrial dispute is resolved,” reads a notice signed by Registrar (Academic Affairs) Prof Mwanarusi Saidi.
At Pwani University, a similar memo from Registrar Dr Leonard Kiti Ali announced the suspension of all learning activities “with immediate effect until further notice.”
Kenyatta University hit the headlines for a different reason—suspending a student leader Steven Odiwuor for allegedly inciting others to join the lecturers’ strike.
The Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) and the Kenya Universities Staff Union (KUSU) have been on strike since mid-September.
They are demanding full payment of KSh7.9 billion owed under the 2017–2021 Collective Bargaining Agreement.
UASU Secretary-General Constantine Wasonga told Parliament recently that lecturers had rejected the government’s proposal to pay the arrears in instalments.
“The organs of the union have rejected the 50-50 proposal. They voted against it,” he said firmly.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has appealed for patience, saying the full amount was not budgeted for.
“What they are demanding is not captured in the 2025–26 budget,” he explained.
Meanwhile, thousands of students remain stranded and frustrated.
“We’ve paid fees but can’t learn,” lamented a Pwani University student.
“It feels like we’re wasting our youth waiting for adults to agree.”
There are fears that the semester is as good as wasted.