Lobby Group Demands Extended Semester to Address University Strike Disruptions.
A lobby group has called for an extension of the current university semester to compensate for time lost during the ongoing lecturers’ strike. The job boycott, now in its fourth week, shows little sign of resolution.
The Elimu Bora Working Group, a coalition of civil society organizations advocating for the right to education in Kenya, expressed concern on Sunday about the heavy losses incurred by parents and students.
The strike, which resumed on October 29 after a month-long suspension, has disrupted learning in public universities, leaving students idling on campuses.
The University Academic Staff Union (UASU) is demanding the full implementation of the 2021–2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) agreed upon with the Inter-Public Universities Councils’ Consultative Forum in September.
Call for an Extended Semester
The Elimu Bora Working Group has urged the government to extend the semester’s learning period to make up for the lost time while continuing negotiations with the lecturers.
Maxwell Magawi, the Executive Director of the Students’ Caucus, emphasized the need to treat this semester as a standard one by adjusting the academic calendar accordingly.
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He noted that the strike threatens the quality of education, which is assessed by the time spent on coursework.
The group highlighted that the right to education encompasses access to quality education that directly impacts students’ development.
Esther Wanjiru, a group member, warned that the strike could negatively affect students expected to complete their studies this semester.
Effects on Students’ Motivation
Idle time, the group argued, is harmful to students’ morale, motivation, and sense of purpose. They stated that Kenya’s youth deserve uninterrupted learning to pursue their aspirations.
To resolve the crisis, the government has been urged to prioritize honest and timely dialogue with lecturers.
David Karani, a member of the group, called on stakeholders to uphold educational standards by resolving the issue.
Magawi hinted that legal action might be pursued if the strike continues, citing its violation of the constitutional right to quality education.
Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura acknowledged the disruptions caused by the strike, emphasizing its impact on students and institutions.
He reported that the government had offered a salary increment of 7–10 percent, allocating Sh4.3 billion to the negotiations.
Mwaura noted that some universities where staff did not join the strike continued in-person and online learning, enabling students to maintain academic momentum.
He assured that the government was committed to resolving the strike through constructive dialogue, aiming to strengthen the education sector in the long term.
Challenges in Resolving the Stalemate
Regarding Moi University, where staff have been on strike for most of the year, Mwaura accused the union of shifting demands.
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Initially, the union agreed to return to work after receiving full September salaries, but later demanded the immediate payment of Sh8.6 billion in unverified pending bills, which the government found unfeasible.
Mwaura expressed confidence that ongoing discussions would restore normalcy, safeguard students’ futures, and strengthen the education system.
Lobby Group Demands Extended Semester to Address University Strike Disruptions.
