Relief for Students as KU, JKUAT Announce Class Resumption After 49-Day Lecturers’ Strike Ends

Relief for Students as KU, JKUAT Announce Class Resumption After 49-Day Lecturers’ Strike Ends

After nearly seven weeks of academic silence, the gates of Kenyatta University (KU) and Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) are set to reopen. Students have finally received the long-awaited green light to resume classes following the end of a nationwide lecturers’ strike.

“Classes Resume Monday” — KU Registrar Confirms Semester Restart

On Thursday, November 6, KU’s Academic Registrar Bernard Kivunge issued a formal notice to students. He confirmed that all first semester activities for the 2025/26 academic year will resume on Monday, November 10.

“Following the calling off of the industrial action by members of staff in the University on 6th November 2025, all activities for the First Semester are expected to resume immediately,” Kivunge stated.

He urged students to report on time to avoid missing lectures or falling behind.

“Report Friday, Classes Begin Monday” — JKUAT Sets Return Date

Meanwhile, JKUAT’s Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Robert Kinyua, also released a notice. He instructed all students to report back to campus on Friday, November 7, ahead of class resumption on Monday.

“Following the calling off of the industrial action by the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) and the Kenya University Staff Union (KUSU), all students are hereby requested to report back to the University on Friday, 7th November 2025,” Kinyua stated.

The announcement sparked excitement and relief among thousands of students who had been left in limbo.

“Strike Ends, Learning Restarts” — Return-to-Work Formula Signed

The breakthrough came after UASU and the Inter-Public Universities Councils’ Consultative Forum (IPUCCF) signed a return-to-work formula (RTWF). The agreement ended the strike and restored normal operations across public universities.

On November 5, UASU officially called off the strike after the government committed to settling salary arrears under the 2017–2021 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

“It is upon the government that you honour what we have signed here today,” said UASU Secretary General Constantine Wasonga. “If you honour what we have signed here today, I want to commit that there shall be no strike called by UASU up to 2030.”

The deal also guaranteed protection from victimization, reinstatement of all staff, and full payment of withheld salaries and benefits.

“No More Punishment” — Lecturers Reinstated Without Conditions

The RTWF included a powerful clause that revoked all disciplinary actions taken during the strike. This included show cause letters, suspensions, and dismissals.

“All disciplinary or intended disciplinary actions… are hereby withdrawn and revoked with immediate effect,” the agreement stated.

This move restored trust and unity among university staff, paving the way for a smooth academic restart.

“Back to Books, Back to Dreams” — Students Celebrate Return

Across campuses, students expressed joy and relief. Many had feared losing an entire semester. Now, they are preparing to return to class, hopeful for stability and progress.

“We’re ready to go back. We just want to learn,” said a KU student.

With lectures resuming, the focus shifts back to education, growth, and rebuilding academic momentum.

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Relief for Students as KU, JKUAT Announce Class Resumption After 49-Day Lecturers’ Strike Ends