Technical University of Kenya (TUK) students have lamented the indefinite closure of the institution for the last two weeks, saying it has negatively affected them.
Through their association, the students asked the management of the university and the striking staff to hasten their talks and allow them to resume classes.
Speaking on Tuesday when they picketed outside the university and along Haile Selassie Avenue, the students said the continued closure of the institution has exposed them to several challenges including idleness which they say has been a concern to their parents and guardians.
“Parents who toiled to pay fees are watching their students suffering in town without attending classes. We categorically demand that the parliament steps in to solve this crisis,” Rafael Oguk, TUK student’s secretary general said.
Technical University of Kenya students protest in Nairobi on February 19, 2025 demanding the university's reopening.
Photo credit: Evans Habil | Nation Media Group
For them, the situation is becoming dire in the institution which was once a beacon of academic excellence.
They said that the semester which started in September last year is still on for six months, and the cancellation of their examination has left them in confusion.
“Up to now we are not sure when the semester will resume and when we will sit for our exams so that we graduate by the end of the year,” Mr Oguk said.
They asked the national government through the Ministry of Education to treat the pending issues surrounding TUK with a lot of seriousness.
“Students are suffering. Most of these students were leaving in hostels and now they have been forced to look for other ways of surviving in Nairobi because there are no classes. When you come here every day, staff are dancing because they are on strike, they want their pay.”
Gerald Owuor, who is the computer science student said that the institution was closed due to staffs strike, ignoring the need of students who were prepared for their exams.
“I don’t know why the school was closed. It does not meet the threshold of closing a school. That day, the school was not in any problem. There was no part of the school that was damaged, and there was no fire. We need to be told why the school was closed,” Mr Owuor said.
The students have also asked the Ministry of Education to consider the Vice-Chancellor and the entire university council as part of a solution for the institution, which has been at the centre of criticism for poor management of funds and delayed salaries for the staff.
Technical University of Kenya staff, students and Kenya Universities Staff Union demonstrate at the institution on February 3, 2025 over delayed staff salaries.
Photo credit: Evans Habil | Nation Media Group
The students' academic secretary, Pascal Juma, said they have been kept in the dark on the ongoing negotiations, yet they are victims of the strike.
Early this month, TUK Academic Registrar Dr Moses Wamalwa directed all diploma and undergraduate students to vacate the university premises until further notice.
Both UASU and KUSU staff members in the institution have refused to resume to work until their demands are fully addressed.
