Lecturers across several Kenyan universities have downed their tools despite a Ksh 2.5 billion release from the National Treasury intended to support Phase 2 of the 2021–2025 Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs). Members of the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) at the University of Nairobi (UoN), Maseno, Egerton, and Kisii universities confirmed the strike on Wednesday, citing unresolved arrears and unmet commitments by the government.
Why are lecturers rejecting the government’s offer?
UASU leaders argue that the Treasury’s latest release does not address the outstanding Ksh.7.9 billion owed under the 2017 CBA. Speaking during the strike, UoN Chapter Secretary Dr. Maloba Wekesa accused the government of repeatedly neglecting lecturers’ welfare.
“Members of staff have been reduced to beggars. Phase 2 was meant to have been paid. We gave the government 7 days to act after a 3-month delay,” Dr. Wekesa said. He added that the government had failed to implement agreements even after court rulings favored lecturers. “On March 25th 2025, the court ruled in favour,” he emphasized.
Dr. Wekesa further criticized delays in addressing healthcare issues affecting staff, describing government promises as “crickets, silence.”
What are union leaders demanding?
The Nairobi branch Secretary of the Kenya Universities Staff Union (KUSU), Peter Waita, expressed frustration over prolonged neglect. “The government continues to neglect workers. They must implement 2017-2021, 2022-2025 CBAs and initiate negotiations for 2025-2029 CBA,” he said.
At Moi University, Acting UASU Secretary General Dr. Dan Mukhwana reinforced the union’s stand. “Our CBA of four years ago has not been implemented. If that money isn’t paid, we are not returning to classes. The next cycle started in July. We have not been given a counteroffer; we must strike,” he stated.
How long will the strike last?
According to UASU officials, the industrial action will continue until lecturers’ arrears are fully settled. “We will strike until the deal is concluded. If the money has not hit members’ accounts, the Vice Chancellor of UON must wake up and make decisions, and if you can’t quit,” Dr. Mukhwana added.
The strike now places thousands of university students in limbo, as lecturers across multiple institutions stand firm on their demand for full implementation of past and current CBAs.
By Lucky Anyanje
