Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) students have protested the prolonged lecturers’ strike, warning that the disruption is exposing learners to financial hardship, psychological distress and social risks as uncertainty over the resumption of classes persists.
The students, led by Students Association chairman Wycliff Omondi and Jennifer Muriithi, spoke during a press conference in Juja, calling on the government and university lecturers to urgently resolve the impasse and restore learning.
They raised concerns about increasing idleness among students, warning that some were becoming vulnerable to crime, theft and drug and alcohol abuse, while female learners faced heightened risks, including early pregnancies.
Omondi said he had received reports of students being arrested and taken to police stations over alleged criminal activities and alcohol related incidents, expressing concern that the situation could derail their academic ambitions.
Megan Mugure and Samuel Omondi said students were struggling to decide whether to return home or remain near the university as they awaited an agreement between the government and lecturers.
They cited mounting stress, rent and food expenses, noting that parents continued to shoulder the financial burden despite the suspension of academic activities. They said support through the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) had not eliminated the challenges facing students.
Muriithi and Wilsmith Odhiambo expressed fears that the strike could derail their graduation plans, saying they had expected to complete their studies by the end of the year but were now uncertain about their academic future.
Lopez Kiterre criticised the government’s spending priorities, arguing that greater attention should be directed towards education, lecturers’ outstanding dues and challenges in the health sector rather than what he described as unnecessary political expenditure.
The students also warned that prolonged disruption could force some learners to abandon their studies or expose them to political exploitation.
They urged the government to address lecturers’ grievances and facilitate an immediate return to class, while appealing to fellow students to remain calm, avoid risky behaviour and safeguard their academic futures as negotiations continue.
