Classes to Resume at Chuka University as Management Orders Lecturers Back Amid National Strike

By Tonney A. Ochieng

 In a crucial crisis meeting held today at Chuka University’s Student Center, representatives from various student classes, Chuka University Student Association (CUSA) leaders, and the university’s top management gathered to address the ongoing disruption in learning caused by the nationwide lecturers’ strike. Following nearly two weeks of halted academic activities, the administration announced a breakthrough: classes are expected to resume tomorrow.

The meeting, chaired by the university’s Vice Chancellor Prof. Henry Mutembei and Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic, Research, and Student Affairs Prof. Gilbert Mbaka Nduru, was convened to discuss the state of education at the institution amid a national strike that has shaken universities across Kenya. The management assured students that, despite the ongoing industrial action, an internal agreement has been reached with the lecturers and their University Academic Staff Union (UASU) representatives to resume teaching activities at Chuka University.

“We know this strike has put undue stress on your academic journey, but we’re pleased to say that lectures will resume as scheduled starting tomorrow,” announced the Vice Chancellor, sparking a wave of hope and optimism among the students in attendance.

To address concerns over the lost time, the Vice Chancellor added that the university’s Senate will hold a special sitting tomorrow to discuss measures to compensate for the two-week disruption. The primary goal, according to university leaders, is to ensure that students do not miss out on essential learning and can continue their studies without further delays.

The Deputy Vice Chancellor echoed this sentiment, urging students to return to their classrooms as per the teaching timetable. “Go to your classes,” he advised, “and if any lecturer fails to appear, do not hesitate to reach out to me directly.” In a bold move, he provided his contact number publicly, assuring students that he would personally follow up with the lecturers to ensure classes proceed smoothly.

The Vice Chancellor also delivered a breakthrough for first and second-year students facing challenges with fee payments. He confirmed that only the household balance will now appear in students’ online portals, a move that aims to ease financial tracking and payment for students and their families

This proactive stance by Chuka University’s management has offered students much-needed reassurance, as the administration demonstrated its commitment to prioritizing their academic needs, even in the face of a national strike. For now, students and faculty alike eagerly await the return to normalcy, hopeful that this resolution will hold steady in the days to come.