Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has called for urgent action to end the ongoing lecturers’ strike that has brought learning in Kenyan public universities to a standstill. As the strike, now in its fourth week, continues to paralyze academic activities, Omtatah has expressed his concern for students who are bearing the brunt of the disruption. In a statement posted on his X account, he termed the situation as a crisis that needs immediate resolution, particularly for the sake of the students who have been left in a state of uncertainty.
The strike, which was initiated by the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU), was triggered after the government failed to honor a Return-To-Work Formula (RTWF) agreed upon on September 26, 2024. UASU, representing lecturers in public universities, has been pushing for better working conditions, improved pay, and a more responsive government approach to addressing the challenges facing the academic sector. However, despite ongoing talks, the government’s response has been inconsistent, with periods of engagement followed by inaction, deepening the frustration among lecturers and students alike.
Omtatah highlighted the critical impact the strike is having on students. Many of them, he noted, are confined to campuses with no access to classes, food, or essential support services. This situation has left students vulnerable, emotionally drained, and mentally exhausted as they are unable to proceed with their education. The lack of essential services, coupled with the uncertainty surrounding the strike, has further exacerbated the challenges students face, as their academic progress remains on hold.
“The students, unfortunately, remain the most affected by this deadlock. Many are confined to campuses with no access to classes, food, or essential support, leaving them vulnerable and frustrated,” Omtatah stated. “This prolonged inactivity is not only detrimental to their academic progress but also to their mental and emotional well-being,” he added, emphasizing the long-term consequences that the ongoing strike could have on the students’ future.
Senator Omtatah’s appeal to both the government and the lecturers is a call for collaborative dialogue that addresses the underlying issues of the strike with urgency and sincerity. He urged all parties involved to prioritize the needs of the students, whose futures depend on timely and uninterrupted access to education. “Both the striking lecturers and the government must engage in genuine dialogue and take responsible actions to resolve the impasse swiftly. It is vital that we restore normalcy to our universities so that students can resume their education in a stable and supportive environment,” Omtatah remarked.
The senator also voiced his frustration with the Kenya Kwanza government’s inconsistent approach to the crisis. He pointed out that the back-and-forth responses from the government have only deepened the crisis, prolonging the strike and worsening its effects. The uncertainty surrounding the strike has not only affected the students but has also created a difficult and volatile environment for all stakeholders, including the lecturers, university administrators, and the broader academic community.
As the strike continues into its fourth week, there are increasing concerns that the prolonged disruption could have lasting effects on the academic careers of students. Omtatah raised alarms about the potential long-term consequences of the strike, warning that it could derail students’ academic aspirations and hinder their future potential. With exams, graduation timelines, and academic schedules already affected, the impact of the strike may linger long after the resolution of the crisis.
“We call on all parties involved to act swiftly and responsibly to bring an end to this crisis,” Omtatah urged. “The future of our students is at stake, and it is essential that we ensure they can continue their education without further delay.”
As the strike continues, all eyes remain on the government and UASU to find a resolution that meets the needs of both lecturers and students, allowing the academic calendar to resume and students’ education to proceed without further hindrances.
