Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology has suspended all academic operations indefinitely after weeks of disruption caused by a prolonged lecturers’ strike.
The closure marks a critical point in the ongoing standoff between university staff and management that has left learning in public universities across the country in limbo.
Students have now been instructed to vacate the institution, a move that adds to the uncertainty that has gripped the university community.
In a notice released by Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs, Robert Kinyua, the university directed all students still residing on campus to vacate by Sunday, November 2, 2025, at 4 pm.
The communication came after a Senate meeting held on Thursday, October 30, where it was agreed that all academic programmes be suspended until further notice.
The administration cited the ongoing industrial action by members of the Universities Academic Staff Union and the Kenya University Staff Union as the main reason for the closure.
The strike, which has now entered its seventh week, has severely disrupted classes, research, and administrative operations. Many students have been left idle, with no access to lectures or supervision for their coursework.
The management stated that the indefinite suspension of learning was necessary since the university could no longer function normally under the prevailing circumstances.
It further assured that communication regarding the reopening would be shared later through official university channels.While all regular students were ordered to leave, the notice exempted several categories who will be allowed to continue with their activities.
These include students on clinical rotations, those enrolled in JKUAT colleges, Mombasa and Nakuru campuses, e-Learning programmes, and postgraduate students conducting research.
The directive seeks to allow minimal academic continuity for specialized groups whose work cannot be easily interrupted.
The closure has drawn mixed reactions among students, with some expressing frustration over the lack of progress in resolving the strike.
Many fear the indefinite suspension will delay their studies and extend their academic timelines.
For final-year students, the situation is particularly stressful since project work, internships, and exams have been halted without clear timelines for resumption.
The university management expressed regret over the inconvenience caused but appreciated the patience and understanding shown by students during the disruption.
In its statement, the administration said it recognized the frustration among learners but maintained that the decision was unavoidable given the impact of the strike.
The current situation highlights the growing strain within Kenya’s public university system, where recurrent staff strikes continue to paralyze learning.
Until a solution is reached between the staff unions and government authorities, thousands of students remain uncertain about when they will resume their studies, with JKUAT now becoming the latest institution to close its doors indefinitely.
