Despite the ongoing lecturers’ strike affecting many public universities in Kenya, some institutions, like Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), are continuing their academic activities as the semester nears its end.
A notice issued on November 18, 2024, by JKUAT reminded students that the semester is set to conclude on December 13, 2024.
It urged students to attend all scheduled classes and activities, emphasizing the importance of maintaining regular class attendance.
The notice also instructed class representatives to report any disruptions in academic activities.
This notice comes amidst a nationwide crisis in public universities, where the industrial action by lecturers, coupled with a dispute over a new funding model, has led to a halt in academic activities.
Thousands of students have found themselves stranded, unable to continue their studies as planned.
Student leaders from the Elimu Bora working group have expressed concerns about the severe mental and academic strain caused by the ongoing disruptions.
With the academic calendar in disarray, many students are now uncertain whether they will be able to complete their coursework or sit for exams in time, with graduation plans for some students at risk.
The students are demanding a swift resolution to the conflict to alleviate the emotional and financial burdens they are facing while staying in school without access to normal learning.
As the lecturers’ strike enters its fourth week, many students are now worried about the possibility of losing an entire semester.
Emanuel Magawa, Executive Director of the National Students Caucus, pointed out that the quality of the semester is compromised by the lack of proper contact hours between students and lecturers.
Without meeting the necessary threshold, it is difficult to claim the semester has been successful.
The strike has not only caused significant mental distress but also put a financial strain on families.
“Parents are making sacrifices to support their children in university, and the prolonged delay is causing additional financial stress,” lamented David Kimani, a member of the Elimu Bora Working Group.
This is the second strike by university lecturers within two months, following a previous strike that was suspended in September.
Lecturers accuse the government of failing to honor agreements made under the return-to-work framework, leading to the resumption of the strike.
Efforts to resolve the deadlock in the higher learning institutions have yet to yield results, with students now growing increasingly frustrated and calling for immediate action.
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