University lecturers call off 49-day strike after securing Sh7.9 billion arrears deal with government
UASU Secretary General Constantine Wasonga confirmed that the unions had accepted a two-phase payment plan, to be completed by June 2026.
Public university lecturers have called off their 49-day strike after signing a return-to-work agreement with the government that guarantees payment of Sh7.9 billion owed under the 2017–2021 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
The deal was reached on Wednesday afternoon after hours of talks between the lecturers’ unions and government officials at Jogoo House, Nairobi. The agreement also paves the way for the conclusion of negotiations for the 2025–2029 CBA within 30 days.
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The Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU), the Kenya Universities Staff Union (KUSU), and the Kenya Union of Domestic, Hotels, Educational Institutions, Hospitals and Allied Workers (KUDHEIHA) signed the return-to-work formula in the presence of Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba and Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi.
UASU Secretary General Constantine Wasonga confirmed that the unions had accepted a two-phase payment plan to be completed by June 2026.
“We have agreed to be paid in two instalments — one between November and December this year, amounting to Sh3.8 billion, and the second by June next year. We are happy that we have secured the full Sh7.9 billion,” Wasonga said.
He added that the union’s decision to end the industrial action was guided by the government’s commitment and the need to protect the academic calendar for more than 600,000 students.
“We have achieved what we wanted, a clear payment schedule and firm timelines. The union’s organs met yesterday and authorised me to call off the strike after considering the government’s commitment,” he said.
Treasury CS John Mbadi had admitted that the government could not afford a one-off payment due to budgetary constraints, noting that the economy was still recovering.
“The government is financially stretched and cannot release the entire Sh7.9 billion at once. However, we have agreed on a sustainable plan that guarantees the full settlement by mid-2026,” Mbadi said.
Education CS Julius Ogamba, who chaired the meeting, welcomed the resolution, saying learning in public universities would resume immediately.
“We appreciate the spirit of dialogue demonstrated by the unions. This agreement marks a new chapter of cooperation between the government and university staff,” Ogamba said.
The breakthrough came a day after a tense session before the National Assembly Committee on Education on Tuesday, where union leaders were urged to reconsider their hard stance and allow students to return to class.
Committee chair Julius Melly appealed for goodwill from both sides, saying the committee would ensure the lecturers are not victimised for participating in the strike.
“We have agreed that when they resume duty, no lecturer will face disciplinary action. The payment schedule will also be prioritised in the 2026/2027 budget,” Melly said.
The lecturers had earlier rejected the two-phase plan, insisting on a lump-sum payment and immediate implementation of allowances. However, they softened their stance after the government committed to honouring all arrears within the agreed timeframe.
The lecturers’ strike, which began in mid-September, had paralysed learning in all public universities across the country.
With the new deal in place, lectures are expected to resume immediately as the parties finalise discussions on the next CBA cycle.
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