University of Nairobi students block Waiyaki Way over lecturers' strike

The full story

University of Nairobi students staged protests along Waiyaki Way in Nairobi, disrupting traffic by blocking the highway with stones, tires, and bonfires. The demonstrators expressed frustration over a month-long nationwide lecturers' strike that has disrupted academic calendars and left learners idle. The industrial action involves unions such as the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU), Kenya University Staff Union (Kusu), and Kudheiha, stemming from a dispute over the implementation of the 2025–2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement. Protesters issued a 24-hour ultimatum to Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba to resolve the stalemate. Police responded to the demonstrations by deploying tear gas, putting out bonfires, and removing road obstructions to restore traffic flow.

Timeline

1. Oct 27

   Students returned to the streets, blocking Waiyaki Way with bonfires and stones, prompting police to deploy tear gas and clear the highway.¹²³⁴

2. Oct 21

   University of Nairobi students staged their first protest along Waiyaki Way following the expiry of a 72-hour ultimatum issued by UNSA.²³

3. Oct 2

   A nationwide university staff strike began following stalled negotiations over the 2025–2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement.¹²³