JKUAT Closes Indefinitely as Lecturers’ Strike Enters Seventh Week
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) has announced an indefinite closure of the institution due to the ongoing lecturers’ strike that has disrupted learning for weeks.
In a notice issued on Saturday, November 1, students who are still staying within the institution were directed to leave the university by Sunday, November 2, at 4:00 pm.
The announcement was made by Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Robert Kinyua, who said the prolonged industrial action by lecturers and non-teaching staff had made it impossible for learning to continue.
Lecturers under the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) and staff under the Kenya University Staff Union (KUSU) have been on strike for seven weeks, paralyzing activities in several public universities and leaving students unsure of when classes will resume.
A special meeting of the University Senate held on Thursday, October 30, resolved to suspend all academic programmes until further notice.
“Due to the ongoing industrial action which has adversely affected the normal operations of academic programmes, the University temporarily suspends academic activities with immediate effect until further notice,” the notice stated.
However, the university clarified that not all students are required to leave. Those exempted from the directive include students on clinical rotations, JKUAT College students, Mombasa Campus students, e-learning students, Nakuru Campus students, and postgraduate students currently conducting research.
The administration expressed regret over the disruption but thanked students for remaining calm during the situation.
“The University management regrets any inconvenience this may cause and appreciates your understanding and cooperation during this period,” the statement read.
JKUAT noted that updates on reopening will be communicated through official channels.
The ongoing strike has also affected other institutions, including Laikipia University, where students have also been sent home. Lecturers are demanding the payment of Sh7.9 billion in salary arrears owed under the 2017–2021 Collective Bargaining Agreement.