NAIROBI, Kenya – University of Nairobi students have taken their frustration over the nationwide lecturers’ strike to Waiyaki Way, barricading sections of the busy highway and disrupting traffic as pressure mounts for the government to resolve the dispute.
The demonstrations on Wednesday, October 21, marked an escalation in student protests after the University of Nairobi Students Association (UNSA) issued the government a 72-hour ultimatum last week, warning that learners would take to the streets if teaching did not resume.
Students reportedly lit bonfires, burned tyres and placed stones across sections of the road, forcing motorists to navigate around the affected areas or seek alternative routes.
The protest highlights the growing impact of the industrial dispute on learners, whose lectures, examinations and academic schedules have been disrupted since public university lecturers began their nationwide strike on October 2.
Students Demand Action After Ultimatum Expires
On Friday, October 16, UNSA president Ahmed Rashid warned that students would mobilise if the government failed to resolve the lecturers’ dispute within 72 hours.
The student association argued that learners should not continue bearing the consequences of a disagreement between university staff and the government.
Students have raised concerns about missed lectures, uncertainty surrounding examinations and possible delays to the completion of their academic programmes.
The demonstrations came as the ultimatum reached its deadline on Wednesday, with students moving from threats of street action to protests along one of Nairobi’s major transport routes.
Lecturers’ Strike Centres on 2025–2029 CBA
The nationwide strike began on October 2 after negotiations over the 2025–2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) stalled.
The Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) and other university staff unions have demanded negotiations, signing and full implementation of the agreement, which covers salaries, allowances and employment conditions.
UASU secretary-general Constantine Wasonga has argued that the agreement requires a clear financial commitment from the government, particularly the National Treasury.
The unions have maintained that funding arrangements must be settled to allow negotiations to progress and outstanding obligations to be addressed.
The dispute has affected public universities beyond Nairobi, disrupting teaching and learning as lecturers maintain their industrial action.
Pressure Mounts on Education Ministry
The protests add to pressure on the Ministry of Education to find a resolution acceptable to the unions and restore normal academic activities.
The students’ grievances are distinct from the lecturers’ demands: while university staff are seeking agreement on pay and employment terms, learners want classes and examinations to resume so that their studies can continue.
The longer the impasse persists, the greater the uncertainty for students facing academic deadlines, assessment schedules and graduation plans.
The immediate challenge for the government is to resolve the funding and negotiation issues behind the strike while addressing the disruption experienced by university students.
