As a student in Kenya, I’ve witnessed firsthand the impact of lecturer strikes on our education system. The recent strike by the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) has brought our universities to a standstill, leaving thousands of students like me uncertain about our academic futures.
The strike has disrupted our academic calendar, and we’re struggling to keep up with our coursework. We’re already facing delayed graduations, and some of us are worried that our future career prospects will be affected. The uncertainty is suffocating, and it’s hard to focus on our studies when we don’t know when we’ll be able to return to class.
Personally, I’m in my third year, and I’m supposed to start my attachment next year around May. But with strikes like these, I’m left to wonder… when will we resume? Will our calendar be okay? What does the system have in store for us? Should we trust it? The uncertainty is daunting, and it’s hard not to feel like our academic journey is being held hostage by circumstances beyond our control.
The strike has taken a toll on our mental health. We’re constantly worried about our future, and the pressure to perform well academically is mounting. Some of us are struggling with anxiety and depression, and it’s hard to cope with the stress of not knowing when we’ll be able to resume our studies.
The strike has also put a significant financial strain on many students. We’re incurring additional expenses, such as rent and living costs, without receiving the expected educational benefits. Some of us are struggling to make ends meet, and it’s hard to focus on our studies when we’re worried about our financial stability. According to UASU Secretary-General Constantine Wasonga, the government owes lecturers over KSh 7.9 billion in unpaid arrears, which has led to the strike.
First-year students have been particularly affected, with some having barely settled into campus life before the strike began. Many are worried about the impact on their academic progress and future prospects.
We understand that the lecturers have legitimate concerns, and we empathize with their struggles. However, as students, we’re caught in the middle, and our education is suffering. We urge the government and the lecturers to find a solution that works for everyone. We need a stable academic calendar, and we need it now.
Some possible solutions that could mitigate the impact of the strike on students include:
- Reopening negotiations: The government and UASU need to reopen dialogue and find a mutually agreeable solution.
- Increasing education funding: Allocating more resources to the education sector could help prevent future strikes.
- Performance-based pay models: Introducing performance-based pay systems could be a viable solution to balance lecturers’ demands with the government’s financial constraints.
The lecturer strike has highlighted the fragility of our education system. As students, we’re not just statistics; we’re individuals with hopes, dreams, and aspirations. We urge the government and the lecturers to prioritize our education and find a solution that works for everyone. We deserve a stable academic calendar, and we deserve it now.
