Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) has suspended all academic activities and ordered students to vacate its Juja main campus following the ongoing lecturers strike that has paralysed learning.
In a notice issued after a special Senate meeting on Thursday, October 30, 2025, the university said the decision was reached to “safeguard students and preserve the integrity of academic programmes” amid disruptions caused by industrial action from the University Academic Staff Union (UASU) and the Kenya University Staff Union (KUSU).
“All students are required to vacate the campus by 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 2, 2025,” read part of the notice signed by Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs) Prof. Robert Kinyua.
However, the university clarified that the directive does not affect certain groups whose programmes will continue uninterrupted. These include medical students on clinical attachments, students at the TVET Institute, those enrolled at the Mombasa and Nakuru campuses, School of Open, Distance and eLearning (SODeL) students, JKUAT/KESRA students, and postgraduate researchers currently undertaking critical research work.
Prof. Kinyua expressed regret over the inconvenience caused, urging students and staff to remain calm and patient as the institution works toward resolving the stalemate.
“The university management regrets any inconvenience this may cause and appreciates your understanding and cooperation during this period,” he stated.
The Deputy VC added that updates on the resumption of studies would be communicated through official channels once normal operations can resume.
The strike, which has disrupted lectures and essential services across several public universities, stems from unresolved issues surrounding salary reviews and implementation of the 2021–2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
Students have reacted with mixed emotions — some expressing frustration over the academic interruption, while others acknowledged the need to prioritise order and safety during the ongoing impasse.
Despite the uncertainty, the university administration has reassured the community that the suspension is a temporary measure and that learning will resume promptly once industrial harmony is restored.
Photo: The main entrance to Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) in Juja, Kiambu County. (Courtesy: JKUAT)
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