A potential academic crisis looms at the University of Nairobi as the University Academic Staff Union (UASU) issued a formal strike notice on March 11. This action, which could paralyze all learning and research activities at Kenya's oldest university, stems from escalating tensions over institutional governance.

The strike threat follows a contentious court order that reinstated the university council’s chairman, Prof. Amukowa Anangwe, who had previously been dismissed from his position by Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba. In a sharply critical statement, UASU accused the current UoN leadership of systematically "weakening governance" structures and undermining the principles of academic freedom and sound university management. The union has taken a firm stance, calling for the immediate dissolution of the entire university council.

UASU warns that unless significant reforms are undertaken to address their grievances – which include demands for the protection of academics who have previously opposed management decisions and a transparent review of governance practices – industrial action is imminent. Such a strike would have far-reaching consequences for thousands of students and the university's academic calendar.