A degree delayed will always be a future deferred

A nationwide strike launched on October 2 by the UASU, KUSU and KUDHEIHA unions has halted classes at Kenya’s public universities amid stalled talks over the 2025-2029 collective bargaining agreement. About 700,000 students are affected, including those whose clinical placements and final examinations have been delayed. Repeated stoppages disrupt academic calendars and postpone the arrival of professionals, such as nurses, whom hospitals and the economy need. The author calls for a negotiated settlement and describes the sacrifices made by families and the hardships faced by lecturers.