How University Students Are Turning Lecturers' Strike into Business Ventures

Academic activities remain paralysed in public universities across the country. This is due to an ongoing nationwide lecturer strike. The learning process has come to a standstill for thousands of students. Many students are now left at a crossroads.

However, some learners are turning this unexpected halt into a window of opportunity. They are actively seeking alternative means of self-sustaining while awaiting the resumption of their studies.

Students are using this period to showcase their talents and create new employment opportunities.

Academic Life Grounded

The lecturer strike began over two weeks ago. This industrial action has severely disrupted academic calendars. Students who were hoping to complete their degrees by the end of this year now face uncertainty.

For those eager to start their higher education journey, their hopes have been dashed by the standoff.

Nearly three weeks into the strike, the conflict between university staff unions and the government continues. The ongoing tag of war is causing sleepless nights for students and their parents.

The Entrepreneurial Shift

Despite the widespread academic disruption, students have identified creative ways to earn a living. They are venturing into alternative means of survival outside of their academic pursuits. TV 47 caught up with several students who are using this time to build their lives.

READ ALSO: The 5 Types Of Male Lecturers In Kenyan Universities

These students are focusing on identifying and utilising their inherent talents. They are creating ventures that provide immediate income.

Turning Notes into Beats

Kelvin Wala, a final year student at Multimedia University, offers a prime example. Wanjala is transforming his personal room into a functional music recording studio. He is based in the town of Rongai.

Previously, Kelvin found it challenging to juggle his studies and his passion for music production. He first discovered this talent during his childhood.

The strike has fortunately, given him the perfect opportunity to focus fully on his craft.

Kelvin now creates music bits and records tracks for various musicians. He works with both established and beginning local and international artists. This production work now successfully earns him a living.

“We do anything that can help a student instead of waiting for studies resumption, yet we don’t know when the strike will be called off,” he said.

Launching a Local Water Venture

Just a few steps from Kelvin’s studio, still in Rongai, another group of students has launched a vital community service. This team set up a water supply business. Their venture serves residents in the area.

Speaking to TV47, the students revealed how the strike caused a delay in their university work. However, the unexpected time off has allowed them to invest more effort into growing the water-selling venture. They are focusing their energy on sustained business investment.

“We had to enter into business because you see, studies have been halted. It now compels us to work hard so that at least we can create something out of this situation. We cannot just sit here waiting,” one of them said.

Surviving the Standstill

As the standoff between the university staff union and the government continues, students are showing remarkable resilience.

They are showcasing their talents and proving that necessity is the mother of invention. While the core hope of attaining higher education remains, these learners are ensuring they have the means to survive until classes eventually resume.