Govt announces measures to resume learning in universities after 49-day lecturers' strike
The government has announced new interventions to revive learning in public universities following a 49-day strike by lecturers and non-teaching staff that paralysed academic operations across the country.
Institutions will now be required to implement academic recovery plans, safeguard students’ welfare and ensure that examinations and graduations proceed without further delay.
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Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba said the government was implementing measures to cushion students and institutions from the effects of the closure while addressing the underlying labour disputes.
“To safeguard students from the adverse effects of the industrial action, we will institute several interventions. Universities have been tasked with implementing recovery plans and ensuring graduations and examinations proceed as scheduled,” he said.
He noted that the Ministry of Education had instructed universities to adopt academic recovery strategies and financial safeguards, reaffirming that no student should be left academically or financially disadvantaged.
The issue was raised in Parliament by Samburu West MP Naisula Lesuuda, who demanded answers on the steps being taken to protect students’ welfare and academic progress.
“Parents and students are deeply worried. Rent, upkeep and academic progress have all been affected. Some students were due to graduate but now remain uncertain about when they will complete their studies,” Lesuuda said.
National Assembly Committee on Education chairman Julius Melly said the Committee’s priority was to ensure a lasting solution that protects both students and university staff.
“Students cannot continue to suffer every time a strike is called. We are ready to facilitate dialogue and push for an implementable payment plan,” Melly said.
The Tinderet MP urged both the Ministry and university unions to finalise ongoing negotiations before the end of the year, adding that the Committee will closely monitor progress.
“This Committee wants universities to resume functioning. The Treasury, Education Ministry, and unions must act within the agreed timelines,” he said.
Kenya Universities Staff Union (KUSU) Secretary General Charles Mukhwaya said lecturers were ready to recover lost teaching time once learning resumes.
“The moment we get back to class, we will do our best. Any time lost will be recovered, even if it means having evening or weekend classes and eating into holidays,” Mukhwaya said.
Public universities have since begun issuing resumption notices after lecturers agreed to return to work following a Sh7.8 billion settlement deal that ended the seven-week strike.
At Kenyatta University, Academic Registrar Benard Kivunge announced that all First Semester activities for the 2025/2026 Academic Year will resume on Monday, November 10, urging students to report without fail.
“Following the calling off of the industrial action by members of staff in the University on November 6, 2025, all activities for the First Semester are expected to resume immediately,” Kivunge said.
Similarly, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) instructed all students to report back on Friday, November 7, ahead of the resumption of classes on Monday, November 10, 2025.
The university thanked students for their patience and assured them of a smooth continuation of academic programmes.
The resumption follows the signing of a Return-to-Work Formula (RTWF) between the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) and the Inter-Public Universities Councils’ Consultative Forum (IPUCCF) on Wednesday, restoring normal operations in all public universities and constituent colleges.
The agreement, witnessed by top university leaders at the Ministry of Education, guarantees reinstatement of all staff, protection from victimisation and full payment of withheld salaries and benefits.
“Any disciplinary or intended disciplinary actions, including but not limited to show cause letters, warning letters, interdictions, suspensions or dismissals, are hereby withdrawn unconditionally and revoked with immediate effect,” reads the RTWF.
It further confirms that no staff member will lose their job or benefits, and that all withheld salaries for September and October 2025 will be released by Monday, November 10, along with payment for the first five days of November.
The Sh7.8 billion package covers arrears under the 2021–2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), including Sh2.73 billion in Phase Two settlements, pending verification by Joint Local Implementation Committees.
The RTWF also directs universities to collaborate with UASU to recover lost teaching time and uphold academic quality following the seven-week disruption.
Negotiations for the 2025–2029 CBA are expected to begin within 30 days and will involve UASU, KUSU, and KUDHEIHA Workers.
The document was signed by Prof Bosire Monari Mwebi, Prof Daniel Mugendi, and Prof Fred Simiyu Barasa for IPUCCF, and witnessed by Prof Romanus Odhiambo, Prof Kamau Ngamau, and Prof Mary Ndung’u.
It will be filed at the Employment and Labour Relations Court as part of a consent settlement in Cause No. ELRC CBA E214 of 2025.
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