Strike standoff as lecturers demand full payment before returning to work
The unions are demanding payment of Sh7.9 billion in arrears from the 2017–2021 CBA, full settlement of the 2021–2025 CBA, and the immediate start of negotiations for the 2025–2029 CBA.
The nationwide strike by lecturers in public universities has entered its third week, with union leaders vowing not to return to work until the government settles pending dues and initiates talks on a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
At a joint press briefing in Nairobi on Wednesday, the University Academic Staff Union (UASU) and the Kenya Universities Staff Union (KUSU) said they would not yield to pressure from vice-chancellors or the government, insisting the industrial action will continue until their demands are met.
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“We shall remain outside until the issues raised are addressed. There are no negotiations currently underway,” UASU National Chairperson Grace Nyongesa said.
She emphasised that the full implementation of the 2021–2025 CBA must be completed and that negotiations for the 2025–2029 CBA should begin immediately.
“We do not want the trend of negotiating CBAs at the end of the cycle. The 2021–2025 CBA must be implemented in full, and the 2025–2029 CBA then negotiated immediately. We are tired of pursuing our money years later and losing value. If this is not fully implemented, the strike will continue,” she added.
Misleading the public
KUSU Secretary-General Charles Mukhwaya accused vice chancellors and university councils of misleading the public about the dispute.
“In 2025, the Attorney General issued an advisory, and the court ordered payment of our CBAs. Vice Chancellors and Councils are lying to the public and running away from facts,” Mukhwaya said.
“The court has directed that we be paid. Whatever they are saying now, the court has refused. We cannot negotiate a court judgment. Let them pay.”
He warned that failure to honour the agreements amounted to contempt of court.
“Failure to do so means they are in contempt of court. We urge our members to soldier on and not fear the threats from VCs,” Mukhwaya said.
The unions are demanding payment of Sh7.9 billion in arrears from the 2017–2021 CBA, full settlement of the 2021–2025 CBA, and the immediate start of negotiations for the 2025–2029 CBA.
Withhold salaries
Vice chancellors, however, have resolved to withhold salaries of striking lecturers, suspend agency fees to the unions, and issue “Notices to Show Cause” to staff accused of disrupting learning.
In a resolution passed on Monday, September 29, the Vice Chancellors’ Committee said the measures would uphold discipline and protect students who continue attending classes.
The move came even after the Employment and Labour Relations Court suspended the strike on September 18 and directed conciliatory talks between the government and the unions.
Despite the ruling, learning remains paralysed in public universities, including the University of Nairobi, Dedan Kimathi University of Technology, University of Eldoret, and Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology, among others.
Disciplinary action
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has maintained that the government has honoured its obligations, warning lecturers of disciplinary action if they defy the court order to resume duty.
“The lecturers are on strike precisely because of three different issues arising from three CBAs. Under the 2021–2025 CBA, Sh4.3 billion was paid in 2024/25, while another Sh2.73 billion was paid this July after a short delay. The balance of Sh2.73 billion is due in June 2026, meaning those issues have been addressed,” Ogamba told the Senate on Wednesday.
On the 2017–2021 CBA, Ogamba said there was still a dispute over the amount owed.
“The unions argue that Sh7.9 billion remains unpaid, while government records reflect a much lower figure. This matter is before the courts for verification and settlement,” he said.
Negotiations underway
The CS further clarified that negotiations for the 2025–2029 CBA were already underway.
“We agreed that this cycle should begin in 2025/26. So far, two meetings have been held. Talks are ongoing, and we expect to conclude within the cycle,” he said.
Ogamba confirmed that the Treasury had already released Sh2.5 billion to support Phase Two of the 2021–2025 CBA. He added that the real sticking point remained the 2017–2021 arrears, which were under judicial review.
Despite the government’s position, union leaders insist they will not return to work until all dues are cleared. The strike has now disrupted learning across campuses nationwide, with students warning they may also down their tools if the deadlock is not resolved.
The matter is set to return to court on October 6, when the Employment and Labour Relations Court will review whether the conciliation process has made progress.
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