Chaos on Waiyaki Way as University of Nairobi Students Clash With Police Over Lecturers’ Strike

University of Nairobi students took to the streets on Tuesday, October 27, disrupting transport along Waiyaki Way as frustrations mounted over the ongoing lecturers’ strike.

The demonstrations brought movement along the busy highway to a standstill after protesters lit bonfires and placed stones across sections of the road.

Motorists travelling through the affected area experienced major disruptions, with several forced to turn back and search for alternative routes to their destinations.

The situation quickly escalated as police officers arrived to contain the demonstrations and prevent further disruption along the busy Nairobi transport corridor.

Officers lobbed tear gas canisters towards the protesting students, forcing them to scatter in different directions as they desperately searched for safety.

Videos and photographs obtained by Kenyans.co.ke captured the confrontation, showing students running away while armed police officers attempted to disperse the gathering.

Some motorists were also captured turning their vehicles around as thick tear gas spread across sections of the highway during the confrontation.

Police officers later moved to clear the stones and other barricades erected by the students, allowing efforts to restore normal traffic movement.

The protests were sparked by continued frustration over the nationwide university staff strike, which has disrupted academic activities across public universities.

The industrial action began on October 2, 2026, after university unions and the government failed to reach an agreement concerning the 2025-2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Since the strike started, thousands of students have experienced interrupted learning, with lectures suspended and uncertainty surrounding the resumption of normal academic programmes.

University staff unions have accused the government of failing to honour commitments and provide adequate funding towards implementing the proposed four-year agreement.

The disagreement intensified on Monday, October 26, when negotiations collapsed after both sides failed to agree on the government’s proposed financial offer.

The government reportedly offered KSh11.9 billion towards the four-year agreement, but the proposal failed to resolve the outstanding disagreements between the negotiating parties.

Tuesday’s demonstrations followed similar protests witnessed last week, reflecting growing impatience among students over the prolonged disruption of university education.

Students are increasingly concerned about delayed academic programmes, postponed examinations and the possibility of their graduation dates being affected.

Meanwhile, the government and university staff unions are expected to resume negotiations later this week in another attempt to settle the dispute.

The outcome of the anticipated discussions could determine when lecturers resume teaching and thousands of affected students return to normal academic activities.

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