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University of Eldoret lecturers protest government directive to return to class, on November 6, 2024. [Peter Ochieng, Standard]
The ongoing lecturers’ strike in the country has left students stranded, unable to complete their coursework or prepare for exams.
Following these uncertainities, student leaders from public institutions are calling on the government and university administrations to urgently address issues at hand for the sake of their education.
Zadock Okoth, the Secretary General of Kenyatta University Students Association (KUSA) said the standoff between lecturers and government is taking a toll on their lives. “We’re facing a nationwide strike that has completely disrupted learning. Students haven’t been able to progress with their studies within the expected time frame. We’re asking the government to find an amicable solution, so that students can make up for lost time,” said Okoth.
The KUSA leader said the strike has also delayed disbursement of the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) funds, which is a lifeline for many students. “Some students can’t afford basic necessities, such as commuting to school, rent, even meals. It’s not just about classes; it’s about students’ livelihoods,” he stated.
Universities Fund Chief Executive Officer Geoffrey Monari last week told Parliament that with the current court case, first and second year students will find it difficult to access government funding. “There is a court order that has been issued, so the funds have not been released for these students. Once this decision is made, we don’t know the direction it will take. We had paid for them in the first semester. The problem will be if it persists,” he said.
Monari observed that government disbursements have been too low this year for continuing students. “There are students who have got issues with fees, because the government has funded each student at Sh30,000 which is quite low. Students who are not able to afford, are being forced to drop out,” he noted.
Amid the chaos, many students remain uncertain whether they should be at home or stay in campus. “Some students are in school, and others are at home. There is total confusion,” Okoth said.
Masten Ogweno, a student at Kenyatta University while sharing the financial strain facing students, said the elongated semester has left majority without funds to facilitate their stay in hostels. “Many of us budget carefully for each semester, and if this strike extends, our budgets won’t hold up. We’re calling on the government to compensate us if this continues,” he said.
Adrian Oluoch, a student at Chuka University and national youth leader, said the new funding model remains another point of contention.
“The new funding model should be halted until the courts make a decision. Students need consistent funding. If that means reverting to the old model temporarily, so be it,” he argued.
Although the students are sympathetic to the lecturers’ cause for better pay, they said the strike was adversely affecting their studies especially those in final year. “We were the first to support the lecturers’ right to better conditions, but as the strike stretches from weeks into months, we’re concerned. Many final year students are left in limbo, uncertain of when they’ll be able to graduate and join the workforce,” asserted Oluoch.
The government has acknowledged the problem, with Education CS Julius Ogamba pledging to resolve the crisis through a newly formed inter-ministerial committee.
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The Standard Group Plc is a
multi-media organization with investments in media platforms spanning newspaper
print operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The
Standard Group is recognized as a leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key
influence in matters of national and international interest.
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