By: Perpetual John And Sharon Nasiche
As the lecturers’ strike in Kenya enters its second week, parents are understandably concerned about its impact on their children. University lecturers across the country have paused teaching, demanding better pay and working conditions, which has left thousands of students with empty classrooms and stalled progress. This strike is not just a temporary disruption—it’s a complex issue affecting students’ learning, their mental well-being, and their future.
The most immediate effect of the strike is on students’ education. With lecturers refusing to teach, students are missing out on valuable learning time, lectures, and exams. In universities, where each semester is carefully scheduled to cover specific topics, even a week’s delay can lead to overcrowded sessions later or the need to extend the semester. For final-year students, this is especially troubling, as any delay might push back graduation dates, potentially affecting their job prospects or further studies. This disruption creates uncertainty about when classes will resume, and the constant waiting takes a toll on students’ motivation and enthusiasm.
Beyond academics, the strike is also affecting students’ finances and those of their families. Many students live on campus or in nearby rented accommodations, with families paying rent, transportation, and other living expenses for the semester. However, without classes, these costs feel like wasted money. Some parents may have saved for their child’s education, while others might be taking on loans. When strikes extend semester dates, families often end up paying extra in fees for months that were not originally planned. This financial strain is especially hard for families who have made sacrifices to send their children to university.
Another concern is the effect on students’ mental well-being. Young people often feel anxious about their studies, their future, and the expectations placed upon them. Strikes make this even harder, as students now face increased uncertainty about their education and future plans. Many students rely on structure and a clear timeline to stay focused, but the strike disrupts this routine, leaving them stressed and even frustrated. Over time, this stress can turn into feelings of helplessness, which can impact a student’s ability to concentrate and learn even when classes resume.
Socially, strikes isolate students, as the university community is an important part of students’ lives. During strikes, many students go back home, while others stay near the campus, often uncertain about when they’ll return to class. This back-and-forth can create a sense of disconnection from friends, teachers, and classmates. Some students use this time to catch up on studies or personal projects, but the lack of formal learning leaves them without guidance and support from their lecturers.
For parents, this is a difficult time as well. Many feel frustrated seeing their children unable to study while having to pay for costs that do not feel justified. Parents want the best for their children, and they worry about the possible long-term effects that this strike may have on their child’s education and future prospects.
In the long term, this strike highlights the need for meaningful reforms in Kenya’s higher education sector. Strikes have become a recurring issue due to ongoing disputes over salaries, funding, and working conditions. For a solution, both the government and lecturers need to find a sustainable agreement that ensures students can continue their education without these interruptions. Parents and students deserve to see an education system that runs smoothly and meets everyone’s needs.
Until the strike is resolved, students and families are left waiting and hoping that a compromise will soon be reached. For now, parents and students are encouraged to stay informed, plan for possible delays, and find ways to remain productive during this uncertain time.
By Perpetual John And Sharon Nasiche Rongo University Media Students.
