Kenya’s public universities are finally seeing a return to normalcy after the University Academic Staff Union (UASU) and the government reached a groundbreaking deal, ending the week-long strike that had left the academic calendar in disarray. The deal, reached after tense negotiations, includes a 7% to 10% salary increase for university staff, along with enhanced pension plans and other welfare benefits. This resolution comes after the Employment and Labour Relations Court intervened, declaring the strike illegal and urging both parties to return to negotiations.
However, despite the strike officially coming to an end, many students remain in limbo as universities scramble to reschedule exams and finalize the end-of-semester activities. With exam dates and graduation schedules in jeopardy, students are now faced with the uncertainty of when they will sit for their exams or complete their courses. Universities are under pressure to adjust timelines and ensure that the academic year concludes without further delays, but the clock is ticking as the semester draws to a close.
While the strike’s resolution is a win for lecturers, who have secured better working conditions and improved pay, the situation remains challenging for students who are caught in the middle of the academic chaos. The government will need to act quickly to restore stability to the university system and ensure that students’ academic progress is not further delayed as a result of the strike’s fallout.
By Moreen Kajuju
Rongo University
Suleiman Mbatiah 
James Wakahiu