Kenyatta University has directed all students to attend scheduled lectures, practical sessions and examinations despite a strike notice issued by staff unions.
In an internal memo dated October 2, 2026, the university said the Employment and Labour Relations Court had reviewed the strike notice and declared the planned strike unprotected.
The university said all scheduled academic activities and general operations would proceed normally across all campuses.
“All students are therefore encouraged and expected to attend their classes as per the official timetables and course schedules,” the university said.
Kenyatta University Classes to Continue Despite Staff Strike
Management added that it had put measures in place, in coordination with relevant security agencies, to ensure a safe and conducive learning environment.
Kenyatta University urged students to remain calm, attend their lectures and stay focused on their academic work.
It said it would share further updates through the university website and other official communication channels.
“We urge all students to remain calm, attend their lectures, and stay focused on their academic goals. For further official updates, please visit the University website and official communication channels. The University Management will keep updating students as the need arises,” Kenyatta University said.Â
The notice came after the University of Nairobi also warned students and parents against a fake internal memo circulating on social media, claiming that the institution had directed students to vacate the university following the commencement of the lecturers’ industrial action.
Also Read:Â UoN Addresses Notice Ordering Students to Leave University
Universities That Experienced Strikes on Friday
University lecturers intensified their nationwide strike on October 2, disrupting teaching and learning as unions pushed for the implementation of a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
KUSU Egerton branch secretary Bernard Ojiambo said teaching and learning had been paralysed as university-based unions began the industrial action.
Ojiambo said the unions had signed a return-to-work formula on November 5, 2025, which provided for the CBA to be concluded and registered at the Employment and Labour Relations Court within 30 days.
The strike was also launched at Tom Mboya University, where lecturers called on part-time tutors from neighbouring universities to respect the industrial action.
The union maintained that commitments made to university workers should be honoured and that collective bargaining processes should deliver agreements within the agreed timelines.
Murang’a University of Technology also joined the industrial action, with lecturers downing their tools in support of the strike.
Also Read:Â University Lecturers Strike Nationwide as Talks Collapse
Why Are The Lecturers Striking?
The industrial action involves the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU), the Kenya University Staff Union (KUSU) and KUDHEIHA, with the unions raising several concerns over pay, the implementation of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), university funding and working conditions.
- Rejection Of 4% Salary Offer: The unions rejected a proposed 4% annual salary increment from the Inter-Public Universities Councils Consultative Forum (IPUCCF), arguing that the offer was inadequate.
- 2025–2029 CBA: Lecturers are demanding the conclusion and implementation of the 2025–2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement. They have also disputed the Ksh9.76 billion allocation set aside for the CBA, arguing that the amount was determined without adequate negotiations.
- University Funding And Salary Payments: The unions have raised concerns over funding challenges facing public universities and called for staff salaries to be paid directly from the Exchequer through a centralised system.
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