Inspired by scenes witnessed near the University of Nairobi, where hundreds of students blocked State House Road with stones and burning tires, reports indicate that the demonstrations began early in the day as learners demanded immediate government action.
Videos circulating online showed angry students carrying twigs and placards with messages such as “Pay Our Lecturers” and “Education Is Our Right.”
The protesters attempted to march towards State House to seek President William Ruto’s attention over what they termed “a crisis threatening their education and future careers.”
The strike, which has lasted for six weeks, has left many universities in confusion, with final-year students worried about delays in graduation.
The strike, which has lasted for six weeks, has left many universities in confusion, with final-year students worried about delays in graduation.
“We are tired of being victims of endless negotiations. We just want to go back to class,” one student leader shouted during the protest.
Police officers were quickly deployed to control the situation after the students ignored warnings to disperse. Tear gas canisters were fired as officers tried to clear the road, forcing several students to flee for safety.
However, the demonstrations intensified as student leaders insisted they would not leave until their grievances were addressed.
Police officers were quickly deployed to control the situation after the students ignored warnings to disperse. Tear gas canisters were fired as officers tried to clear the road, forcing several students to flee for safety.
However, the demonstrations intensified as student leaders insisted they would not leave until their grievances were addressed.
UoN student leader Derrick Troy accused the Ministry of Education of turning a blind eye to the matter, saying the government had failed to pay lecturers despite repeated promises.
“We gave them 24 hours to act. If they think we are joking, they will see us here every day until our lecturers are paid,” Derrick declared.
Another student leader, Jeroboam Odhiambo from JKUAT, said the government should stop taking students for granted. “Too much peace is dangerous. We demand to be in class, not in the streets,” he said.
The protest follows warnings from student unions earlier in the week that they would mobilize nationwide demonstrations if the lecturers’ strike was not resolved by Thursday.
“We gave them 24 hours to act. If they think we are joking, they will see us here every day until our lecturers are paid,” Derrick declared.
Another student leader, Jeroboam Odhiambo from JKUAT, said the government should stop taking students for granted. “Too much peace is dangerous. We demand to be in class, not in the streets,” he said.
The protest follows warnings from student unions earlier in the week that they would mobilize nationwide demonstrations if the lecturers’ strike was not resolved by Thursday.
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