University of Nairobi Could Shut Down As Students Threaten MASSIVE Strike
University of Nairobi students have threatened to paralyse University Way over a prolonged water shortage that has crippled hostel living conditions.
On Monday, the University of Nairobi Students Association (UNSA) issued a six-hour ultimatum to the institution’s administration to restore water supply to residences.
“Water is a fundamental and essential need, and prolonged lack of access is unacceptable,” the UNSA said in a statement.
“As a result, students are issuing a six-hour ultimatum to the administration to fully restore the water supply once repair works commence.”
Adding, “Failure to meet this demand will result in escalated action, including mobilisation to bring University Way to a standstill.”
Tensions flared on Sunday night as students lit bonfires and barricaded sections of University Way to protest the prolonged water shortage, accusing the administration of delayed response and poor communication.
The demonstrations spread to major roads, including Uhuru Highway and State House Road, rendering the roads temporarily impassable as crowds blocked lanes and chanted slogans.
Police officers were deployed to the scene to disperse the crowds and restore order as the demonstrations intensified late into the night.
Campus residences have endured a water shortage lasting over two weeks, leaving students struggling with deteriorating living conditions as female hostels bear the brunt.
According to UNSA, a disrupted water supply has led to poor sanitation, with clogged washrooms and blocked drainage systems reported in several residences.
Some hostels have also reportedly experienced flooding amid the heavy rains, further compounding the crisis.
Student leaders said the conditions in female residences 12, 13 and 20 had become unbearable, accusing the university administration of failing to act with urgency.
While a temporary intervention involving water tankers was introduced, students argued that it did not address the scale of the problem and are demanding a permanent solution.
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University officials attributed the disruption to damaged infrastructure, indicating that repair works would begin on Monday.
The crisis has also been linked to a burst pipeline reported by the Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company, which affected several estates across Nairobi.
The UNSA stressed that the protests were strictly about student well-being, dismissing any suggestions of political motives.
“We wish to clearly state that these demonstrations are not politically driven and are solely focused on advocating for students’ welfare and access to basic necessities,” said UNSA President Derick Troy Rusana.
“All students are urged to remain united, vigilant and peaceful as we collectively push for a swift resolution to this issue.”
University of Nairobi Could Shut Down As Students Threaten MASSIVE Strike
