JKUAT Closes Indefinitely, Orders Students to Leave Campus Within 24 Hours Amid Lecturers’ Strike
JKUAT was no exception, as normal operations were severely affected, compelling management to take what it termed an “unavoidable decision”.
All students are hereby instructed to clear and vacate the university premises by Sunday, November 2, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. Photo/courtesy.
By Ruth Sang
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology has closed indefinitely because of the lecturers’ strike that has paralyzed learning for weeks. In a directive dated Saturday, November 1, students living on campus were ordered to leave the university premises by Sunday, November 2 before 4:00 p.m.
The decision was reached following a special meeting of the University Senate held on Thursday, October 30, 2025. This followed the prolonged industrial action by UASU and KUSU, now in its seventh week, after which the Senate resolved to suspend all Academic activities, according to an official notice signed by the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs, Professor Robert Kinyua.
The statement said, in part: “The University Senate has decided that, owing to the ongoing industrial action that has grossly paralysed academic operations, learning activities are hereby suspended until further notice. All students are hereby instructed to clear and vacate the university premises by Sunday, November 2, 2025, at 4:00 p.m.
The strike by lecturers has paralyzed activities in all public universities countrywide, leaving thousands of students unable to attend lectures or undertake their coursework and examinations. JKUAT was no exception, as normal operations were severely affected, compelling management to take what it termed an “unavoidable decision” to ensure order and safety within its precincts.
However, the university explained that the directive to vacate would not apply to some categories of students. Those excluded include postgraduate students doing research work, students undertaking e-learning programs, those from JKUAT campuses in Mombasa and Nakuru, college students under JKUAT affiliate institutions, and medical students on clinical attachment.
“The university does understand the challenges this situation has brought about but appreciates the patience and cooperation of all students as we work toward resolving the matter,” Professor Kinyua noted. He further assured that communication regarding the resumption of academic programs will be announced in due course through the official university website and social media channels.
The management regretted the inconvenience caused by such a closure and explained that it was taken as a decision in the best interests of the university community. “The University regrets any inconvenience this may cause and sincerely thanks all students for their understanding during this difficult time,” the statement concluded. The indefinite shutdown at JKUAT now reflects a wider crisis within public universities as the countrywide strike by lecturers has paralyzed operations with no prediction on the closure date.
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