The Technical University of Kenya (TUK) has suspended diploma and undergraduate examinations that were set to begin on Monday, February 3, 2025. The decision comes in the wake of an ongoing strike by teaching and non-teaching staff, who are members of the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) and the Kenya Universities Staff Union (KUSU).

In a memo addressed to students, Academic Registrar Moses Wamalwa announced the immediate suspension of the exams, directing all students to vacate the university premises by 2:45 PM on Monday.

“Please note that the suspension takes effect immediately. Consequently, all diploma and undergraduate students are directed to vacate the university premises by 2:45 PM today, Monday, February 3, 2025,” Wamalwa stated.

Additionally, students residing in university halls of residence were instructed to leave by 5:00 PM the same day. The registrar assured students that further updates regarding the examinations would be communicated in due course.

Ongoing Strike by University Staff

Lecturers at TUK have been on strike since January 14, protesting delayed salaries. In a strike notice addressed to Vice Chancellor Prof. Benedict Mutua, the lecturers expressed their grievances, stating that they would also present written petitions to the National Assembly and the Ministries of Finance and Education.

Joining the strike are non-teaching staff allied with the Kenya Union of Domestic, Hotels, Educational Institutions, and Hospital Workers (KUDHEIHA). On Monday, the scheduled start date for exams, university staff took to the streets of Nairobi, staging peaceful demonstrations.

Registration and Attendance Directives

Prior to the strike, VC Mutua had issued a notice on January 20, instructing all government-sponsored students in their first and second years—admitted through the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS)—to report to the Admissions Office for registration.

“Kindly note that payment of fees is not mandatory for registration for Year One and Year Two government-sponsored students,” he stated.

However, he emphasized that signing the nominal roll was a prerequisite for sitting the end-of-semester exams. Furthermore, students with less than 75% class attendance were advised to defer their studies to ensure future placement.

As the strike continues, uncertainty looms over the academic calendar, leaving students in limbo. The university has assured them that updates will follow as negotiations with the striking staff progress.