When Learning Comes to a Standstill: The Effects of Strikes on Students
By Brendah Mukami
Every student joins an institution of learning with a dream of achieving a better future. For some, it is the hope of securing a good job, while for others, it is the desire to transform their families and communities. However, when strikes disrupt learning, these dreams can be delayed, leaving students uncertain about their academic journey. What should be a period of lectures, assignments and examinations often turns into a season of anxiety, confusion, and unanswered questions.
One of the major effects of strikes on students is the disruption of academic programmes. Lectures are suspended, examinations are postponed, and practical sessions are interrupted. Students who have worked hard to follow their academic schedules are forced to stay away from classrooms, sometimes for weeks or months. This disruption can lead to changes in the academic calendar, delayed graduation and difficulties in completing courses within the expected period.
Beyond the classroom, strikes also take a toll on students’ mental and emotional well-being. The uncertainty of not knowing when learning will resume can create stress, frustration and disappointment. Students preparing for examinations may worry about completing the syllabus, while those nearing graduation may fear losing opportunities for internships, employment or further studies. For many, the silence of empty lecture halls becomes a reminder of the time they are losing.
"Financial pressure is another challenge that students face during strikes, particularly those studying away from home. Many continue paying rent, electricity bills and other living expenses even when they are not attending classes. Parents and guardians may struggle to maintain these expenses, especially when the strike lasts longer than expected. For students who depend on small businesses, casual jobs or financial support from their families, the interruption can make an already difficult situation even more challenging," says Peter Munene.
According to Nelly Mwendwa, a student at Chuka University, strikes also affect students’ motivation and concentration. After spending a long period away from their studies, some find it difficult to return to their usual academic routines. Others may lose interest, develop poor study habi,ts or struggle to remember concepts taught before the interruption. When learning resumes eventually, students are often expected to cover missed content within a short period, placing additional pressure on both learners and lecturers.
Despite these challenges, strikes sometimes draw attention to important issues affecting the education system. When lecturers or other university workers raise concerns about salaries, working conditions, funding or the quality of education, their grievances may reflect problems that indirectly affect students as well. However, students often find themselves caught between supporting the demand for better education and worrying about the consequences of prolonged disruptions. This makes dialogue between university management, workers’ representatives and relevant government authorities essential in finding lasting solutions.
Ultimately, a strike should not mean the end of a student’s dream, but neither should its impact be ignored. Institutions, government authorities and workers’ unions need to prioritise timely negotiations to minimize interruptions and protect students’ academic interests. Students, too, can use periods away from the classroom to engage in personal reading, research and skill development where possible. Education remains one of the strongest foundations for a better future, and safeguarding the learning process is a shared responsibility that no institution should take lightly.
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