Learning across public universities paralysed as striking lecturers vow to stay put

University students will continue to bear the brunt of the ongoing lecturers’ strike, which has paralysed learning in public universities for the fourth consecutive week.

The industrial action shows no sign of ending, as lecturers insist the government must pay Sh7.9 billion owed under the 2017–2021 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) before returning to class.

During a march outside the University of Nairobi on Wednesday, leaders of the University Academic Staff Union (UASU) and the Kenya University Staff Union (KUSU) reiterated their demand for full implementation of the court-ordered payment and immediate negotiations for the 2025–2029 CBA.

UASU National Chairperson Grace Nyongesa said lecturers would not return to work until the dispute is resolved.

“We are marching for victory today on the issues we are fighting for. On the 2017–2021 CBA, our demand is clear: we want the full Sh7.9 billion implemented, and we will negotiate for that CBA in total. Four years down the line, its value has already depreciated,” she said.

Nyongesa accused the government of neglecting the teaching profession and described lecturers as “deeply frustrated” over the failure to address their grievances.

“We are heavily taxed, yet the system isn’t working, pension schemes are collapsing, and we are demanding dignity in our profession. We will not return to work until even the new 2025–2029 CBA is discussed and agreed upon,” she added.

UASU Secretary General Constantine Wesonga confirmed that the unions had been invited for a payroll audit meeting in Machakos on Thursday regarding arrears from the 2017–2021 CBA. However, he dismissed the exercise as unnecessary, insisting the union already has verified figures.

“The court ruled that the 2017-2021 CBA stands at Sh7.8 billion, and we will not allow the government to overturn that judgment through the back door. We already know what tomorrow’s outcome will be. We will table our audit, take tea and return, because this strike will not end until Sh7.1 billion hits our accounts,” Wesonga said.

He also rejected the government’s offer of Sh3 billion for the new 2025–2029 CBA, terming it “a joke of the highest order”.

“They had committed to harmonise our allowances, but now they are suggesting a reduction instead. I want to tell the country that, unfortunately, we are headed for a long lecturers’ strike,” he said.

KUSU Secretary General Charles Mukhwaya accused Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba of mishandling the negotiations and undermining a court ruling.

“CS Ogamba was not in office when this CBA was being discussed; he does not understand the origin of this crisis, yet he has been quick to dismiss what we are telling the public. The Sh7.9 billion is non-negotiable. Ogamba has no power to revise a court order,” Mukhwaya noted.

He described the Machakos payroll audit as “a PR exercise,” saying unions will instead focus on pressing their demands at key government offices.

“We will not reopen any audit or discuss any report. Today, we want to go to the Ministry of Education, Parliament, and the Treasury to remind them that the CBA is our business,” he said.

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• Learning across public universities paralysed as striking lecturers vow to stay put
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The strike, now in its fourth week, has paralysed learning in all public universities, with lecturers insisting they will not resume work until their demands are met in full. They want the government to settle Sh7.9 billion in outstanding dues from the 2017–2021 CBA and also commence talks for the 2025–2029 CBA.

The ongoing paralysis of learning mirrors a similar disruption last year, which extended the semester into early 2025. Some students have threatened to join the strike if the government does not resolve the lecturers’ industrial action.

The unions have also accused the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) of frustrating negotiations.

Wesonga said SRC had overstepped its advisory role, making it impossible for lecturers to negotiate effectively with their employer.

“As per labour conventions, we are supposed to negotiate with our employer. However, SRC is supposed to give its advisory, but the way they are giving that advisory, it seems they do not allow workers to negotiate with their employer,” he said.

Wesonga also criticised the commission for limiting salary proposals to Sh3 billion over four years.

“If they (SRC) want, they can come and negotiate with us. How can you give Sh3 billion for four years? How is that supposed to be shared among all three unions?” he posed.

He further accused the government of ignoring key labour demands, including automatic annual salary increments and remittance of statutory deductions, which have reportedly been withheld in several universities. Some institutions have also failed to provide medical insurance and pension schemes, worsening the welfare crisis for lecturers.

Union officials urged students to remain patient.

“We want to plead with our students to bear with us so that we can complete this matter once and for all. When we start learning next year, we do not want any other disruptions,” Wesonga said.

The unions announced plans to escalate the strike by devolving it to individual university chapters across the country.

Last week, Education CS Julius Ogamba said the government had formally engaged SRC to guide negotiations for the 2025–2029 CBA.

He said the Inter-Public Universities Councils Consultative Forum (IPUCCF) had convened negotiation sessions in September, but UASU failed to attend the initial meetings.

“The government remains committed to dialogue and a fair resolution of the lecturers’ concerns,” Ogamba said during the launch of the National Examination and Assessment season.