The Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) has been plunged into crisis after its management announced an indefinite closure following a prolonged lecturers’ strike that has paralyzed all academic activities.
In an official notice signed by Vice-Chancellor Dr. Victoria Wambui, the university ordered all students to vacate the premises by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, citing security concerns after the complete suspension of classes.
“The decision to close the university is never taken lightly, but it is clear that learning cannot continue while our lecturers remain on strike. We urge all students to leave peacefully to avoid any confrontation,” read the statement from the university.
The news has left many students in tears and confusion. Some were preparing for final exams, while others had just completed paying for accommodation and tuition.
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“We’ve already paid our rent and fees for the month, and we were ready for our final exams. Now they’re telling us to leave by 4 p.m.! This is heartbreaking,” said Jane Muthoni, a student in the Faculty of Agriculture.
“It feels like neglect. No one has told us when we’ll be back or what will happen to our studies. It feels like we’re losing an entire academic year,” added Kevin Otieno, an Engineering student.
Others said the sudden order to vacate has left them stranded, as some have nowhere to go and limited financial means.
“Our parents live far away, and getting money is hard. Where do we go now? We’re being told to leave, but we have no plan. This is very painful,” said Ruth Njeri, a third-year student.
The lecturers’ strike has been ongoing for over a month after the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) demanded salary increases and a review of employment contracts. Union officials accuse the government of failing to respond to their long-standing grievances despite numerous attempts at dialogue.
“No lecturer can continue teaching when their value is not recognized. We’ve tried dialogue several times, but nothing has been done. We will only return to class once our agreements are honored,” said Dr. Samuel Kariuki, a representative of JKUAT lecturers.
The government has said it is working to restore negotiations, though there is still no confirmed timeline for the resumption of classes.
Education analysts warn that the closure exposes the fragile state of Kenya’s public university system, highlighting the growing mistrust between the government, university management, and staff.
“When a major institution like JKUAT shuts down, it sends a bad signal. Students lose direction, lecturers lose morale, and the education system loses credibility,” said Dr. Mercy Mwangi, an independent education analyst.
Despite the turmoil, the university’s leadership maintains that dialogue remains open, expressing hope that the crisis will be resolved soon.
“We are hopeful that these issues will be resolved soon. What we call for is peace, understanding, and cooperation among all parties,” said the Vice-Chancellor.
As students pack their belongings and slowly leave the campus, the atmosphere is heavy with uncertainty. Some are crying, others stand silently, watching the place they called home turn quiet and empty. Security officers have been deployed to maintain order and prevent any unrest.
The JKUAT closure has become a stark reminder of the fragility of higher education in Kenya, where unresolved disputes between institutions and the government often leave students and lecturers paying the highest price, and the future of learning hanging in the balance.
