Karatina University has joined a growing list of public universities that have suspended learning as the nationwide industrial action by university staff continues to paralyse academic programs.
In a memo issued on Monday, November 3, 2025, Registrar (Academic Affairs) Dr. Wangari Gathuthi announced that the University Senate resolved to halt all academic activities for the First Semester of the 2025/2026 academic year after six weeks of disrupted teaching and learning.
“The University Senate has resolved to suspend learning due to the University Staff Industrial Action that has adversely affected teaching and learning for the last six weeks,” the notice reads.
The suspension takes effect immediately, with students instructed to vacate the university premises not later than noon Tuesday. However, students in the School of Health Sciences are exempted and will proceed with their studies uninterrupted.
Karatina University now becomes one of several institutions — including Egerton and Kibabii universities — to temporarily shut down academic operations as the industrial stalemate deepens. The strike has disrupted lectures, examinations, and student services across campuses nationwide, raising concerns about an extended academic calendar disruption.
The university also announced that the ongoing student elections timetable will be revised and communicated upon resumption of normal academic activities. Students were urged to remain calm and follow updates through the university website, student portal, and other official communication channels.
The stand-off between university staff unions and the government centres on demands for improved working conditions and implementation of existing collective bargaining agreements. With no resolution announced yet, anxiety continues to rise among students and parents over the prolonged disruption.
The learning has remain in limbo for the last six weeks of strike impasse, however yesterday UASU Secretary General Dr. Constantine Wasonga alluded that the dons might consider government’s offer if they agree on 80-20 arrears settlement formula.
By Kithinji Njeru
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