Students and staff at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology have been caught up in an unexpected break after the university announced a temporary suspension of academic activities due to an ongoing strike by staff members.
The decision was made during a special Senate meeting held on Thursday, October 30, 2025, where it was agreed that pausing all normal learning activities would help protect students and maintain the quality of academic programmes.
The notice directed all students to vacate the campus by 4:00 pm on Sunday, November 2, 2025, until further communication is issued.
While most students will be affected by the suspension, the university clarified that some groups will continue their work without interruption.
These include medical students currently attached to hospitals for their clinical practice, students at the TVET Institute, and those studying at the Mombasa and Nakuru campuses.
Others exempted from the suspension are learners enrolled in the School of Open, Distance and eLearning, JKUAT students attached to the Kenya School of Revenue Administration, and postgraduate researchers who are actively engaged in ongoing projects.
Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs, Dr. Robert Kinyua, shared a message of reassurance to the university community, expressing regret for the inconvenience caused by the situation.
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) entrance. Photo Courtesy/The Standard.
He noted that the management appreciates the cooperation and patience of students during this period of disruption. Dr. Kinyua also stated that updates on the resumption of classes will be communicated through official university platforms once an agreement is reached between management and the striking staff unions.
The ongoing industrial action, led by the University Academic Staff Union and the Kenya University Staff Union, has disrupted normal teaching schedules, forcing the institution to take precautionary measures.
The university explained that the suspension is not a permanent decision but a temporary step to maintain safety, order, and smooth coordination as discussions continue to resolve the dispute.
Many students have expressed mixed feelings about the closure. Some are disappointed by the disruption to their learning calendar, especially those preparing for end-of-semester exams or undertaking final-year projects.
Others have shown understanding, acknowledging that the decision is meant to protect everyone’s welfare and ensure that academic standards are not compromised during the period of unrest.
University management has urged all students to remain calm and follow the official instructions shared through verified channels.
They emphasized that no learner should return to campus until an official notice is released. The administration remains hopeful that discussions with staff representatives will soon lead to a resolution, allowing the university to resume normal academic operations.
In the meantime, students are encouraged to stay alert for updates and to continue any independent study or research where possible, as the university works toward restoring normalcy.
