By Billian Fatima
The streets of Nairobi are bustling with the usual energy, but for many students of the Technical University of Kenya (TUK), it’s a different reality. As the city hums with the usual hustle, these students find themselves back in the informal economy—working on construction sites and at the 'mitumba' markets—activities they had hoped to leave behind after starting their higher education journey.
The sudden closure of TUK due to unresolved strikes and administrative challenges has left many students uncertain about their future. With no clear timeline for reopening, students are being forced to adjust quickly, shelving their academic aspirations for the time being and returning to the informal labor market to make ends meet.
John Mwangi, a second-year student, stood on the roadside, wiping sweat from his brow after a long day working on a construction site. "I never imagined I'd be back here so soon. It feels like a setback, but what else can I do? We don't even know when the university will reopen, and life doesn’t stop. I’ve got bills to pay, and my family needs support," Mwangi said, his voice tinged with frustration.
For Mary Wambui, a fashion and design major, the situation is equally disheartening. Once hopeful about building her own clothing line, she now spends her days in the crowded 'mitumba' market, selling second-hand clothes. "Honestly, it’s frustrating. I thought I'd be designing my own clothing line by now, but life doesn't wait. If I'm not working here, I can't pay for my rent or anything. The university is closed, but the bills keep coming," Wambui admitted, as she carefully arranged clothes for sale in her makeshift stall.
The closure of TUK, which affects thousands of students, has thrown a wrench into their plans, with many now juggling their academic dreams with the harsh realities of daily survival. Without a clear resolution to the strikes and administrative issues that led to the closure, students like Mwangi and Wambui are left wondering when they will be able to return to their studies, or whether they will be forced to abandon their aspirations altogether.
The situation also raises concerns about the long-term impact on the students’ academic progress, particularly for those whose education is their ticket to a better future. As they navigate the uncertainty of the university's reopening, many students are questioning their next steps, unsure of how long they will have to rely on the informal economy to survive.
For now, Nairobi’s streets serve as a reminder that, for many students, life doesn’t stop—even when their educational dreams are put on hold. The hope remains that TUK will reopen soon, allowing these students to resume their studies and continue their journey toward a better future.
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