- Egerton University student, Eunice Ochieng, has attracted public attention after she knelt down and asked the government led by President William Ruto to pay the striking lecturers
- In an emotional video, he said students have suffered enough as the lecturers’ strike enters its 45th day, disrupting learning in public universities.
- Eunice questioned why the children of leaders are studying abroad while Kenyan students remain unemployed and urged the president to take action instead of remaining silent
- His request comes as renewed talks between the lecturers’ unions and the government show signs of progress after weeks of deadlock.
Eunice Ochieng, a student at Egerton University, has caused a stir after her emotional plea to the President’s government William Ruto about the ongoing strike of lecturers.
Source: UGC
In a heartfelt plea captured on video, Eunice fell to her knees, asking the government to pay university lecturers so that classes can resume in public institutions.
The student, who looked sad, said that the long strike has disrupted the academic life of the students and shattered their hopes of completing their studies on time.
“This is unacceptable. If you don’t want us to learn, stop education. If you can’t pay the lecturers, then let us go so we can find other ways,” she said with tears in her eyes.
A university student asked the Ruto government to pay the lecturers
Eunice condemned leaders whose children study in prestigious universities abroad while local students remain stuck.
“It is a shame that your children are abroad in the best universities while we are suffering. We cannot be taught by lecturers who are hungry and unpaid. What shocks me as a friend is that the president is silent, doing business as if nothing is happening in the country,” he added.
The student asked the government to intervene quickly, saying the students have no one else to speak for them.
“No one will fight for us except ourselves. Please, Ruto’s government, I beg you in the name of God, do what is necessary. You are very quiet as if nothing is happening in your country, but you are the president,” he said.
Eunice lamented that education in Kenya is treated as a privilege rather than a right, adding that the time lost during the strike has financial implications for students.
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“Education is not a symbol. It is sad that we live in a country where education is not the first priority. Time has been lost, and time is money. We will need compensation,” he said.
He also expressed concern that many students had reduced their maintenance funds from HELB during the strike, meaning they would need more help when classes resume.
The Kenyan lecturers’ strike enters its 7th week
His emotional appeal comes as university lecturers continue their national strike, which has entered its 45th day.
Talks between the striking lecturers and the government have resumed, with both sides working to reach a formula for returning to work. The government is reported to offer to pay debts of KSh 7.9 billion owed to lecturers in two phases instead of three.
The University Academic Staff Union (UASU) and the Kenya University Staff Union (KUSU) have said they will consult with their members before deciding whether to resume studies.
“We have agreed to burn the midnight oil, my lines are clear. The government has also decided to burn the midnight oil,” UASU General Secretary Constantine Wesonga said.
Both unions are expected to present the government’s latest offer to their National Delegate Conferences, where members will vote on the next step.
Source: UGC
Will university students join the lecturers’ strike?
TUKO.co.ke earlier reported that university students in several public institutions expressed frustration with the ongoing lecturers’ strike, threatening to join the dons.
They said the disruption has hindered learning, leaving them stranded without classes and uncertain about their academic future.
Student leaders from various universities, including Kenyatta and Moi, demanded that the government quickly put an end to the dispute and provide a recovery plan to make up for lost time.
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Source: TUKO.co.ke
