Lecturers strike

When Lecturers Strike: The Only Class is Failing Economics!

Lecturers are on strike again, leaving students twiddling their thumbs and wondering how to master the fine art of self-study! Read more to find out what's happening!

Kenya’s universities are once again at a standstill, as the University Academic Staff Union (UASU) has officially announced a nationwide strike. UASU Secretary-General, Dr. Constantine Wasonga, voiced the frustrations of many as he emphasized that the strike is due to the government’s unfulfilled promises regarding pay negotiations. As of October 28, there will be no teaching, marking, or exam invigilation until the lecturers see the agreed-upon funds in their accounts. And just like that, Kenya's higher education system is left in the lurch!

The strike covers all public universities in the country, effectively throwing academic schedules into chaos. Aspiring scholars are now caught in a game of wait-and-see, wandering campus grounds with nothing but their unanswered questions and, let’s be honest, a few snacks from the canteen to keep their spirits up! With this striking crisis looming over them, students must now master the art of independent study or risk becoming experts in “how to stretch a semester break.” It’s a fine skill, akin to perfecting the craft of cooking a two-minute noodle for dinner!

Crisis is not just a buzzword; it’s a present reality for many educational institutions. The ongoing strike is a severe reminder of how education, often seen as the top priority in society, can come to a grinding halt when economic realities hit home. Wasonga warned that the urgency of reaching a resolution had never been more pronounced as the survival of learning hangs precariously on financial negotiations. Image a student asking an empty lecture hall for guidance - not the most inspiring setting for academia!

As frustrations rise, it’s crucial to understand that this isn’t merely about salaries but also the educational quality that students expect and deserve. Lecturers, who are often the cornerstone of academic excellence, are taking a stand for their rights. And while it may seem like fun and games for the students today, the implications of this strike could resonate throughout their academic careers.

For the curious minds, did you know that the last time Kenyan lecturers struck was during a similar pay negotiation back in 2019? It lasted for several weeks and had a drastic effect on the academic calendar, pushing exams and graduations into the following year! Also, according to recent studies, dedicated lecturers can increase students’ chances of academic success by a whopping 40%! Time to invest in our real champions, don't you think?