Kenyan University Strike
Kenyan University Staff Launch Nationwide Strike After Collective Bargaining Agreement Negotiations Collapse
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Key Points
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The unions said the November 5, 2025 return-to-work formula required the 2025–2029 CBA to be concluded and registered in court within 30 days, but that deadline was not met.
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The unions accused university employers of failing to honour the 2021–2025 CBA, including commitments to harmonise allowances under the new agreement.
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At Moi University, union officials said lecturers were still owed Sh1.2 billion under the 2017 and 2021 CBAs, and said campus-specific demands would also need to be addressed.
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UASU Secretary General Constantine Wasonga warned the strike could last months, citing the union’s nine-month strike in 2003 and saying, “This thing is going to take long” if the government does not change its position.
Public university lecturers and staff across Kenya launched a nationwide strike on October 2 after salary negotiations collapsed. The three unions—UASU, KUSU, and KUDHEIHA—rejected a 4% annual raise, saying it cannot keep pace with inflation. Citizen Digital reported the dispute centers on the 2025–2029 collective bargaining agreement, with unions demanding better pay, medical coverage, and permanent jobs.
The strike has already disrupted teaching and learning at campuses nationwide. Radio 47 noted that unions warned the walkout could last months if the government does not budge. President William Ruto pledged to address staff grievances, but no quick resolution is in sight.
Unions Reject 4% Raise as Inflation Bites
Kenya's public university unions turned down the employers' offer of a 4% annual salary increase. Radiokaya reported that the Inter-Public Universities Councils Consultative Forum (IPUCCF) made a revised offer, but the three unions rejected it outright. They argue the raise fails to match the cost of living squeeze hitting workers.
Unions are pushing for improved allowances, full medical coverage, and permanent contracts for staff currently on temporary terms. They also want the government to pay university employees through the public treasury instead of university budgets. Uzalendonews said teaching has stopped across the country as lecturers down tools.
Unpaid Debts From Earlier Contracts Linger
The unions accuse employers of failing to honor the 2021–2025 agreement signed just four years ago. Moi University lecturers are owed 1.2 billion Kenyan shillings under prior contracts from 2017 and 2021. Citizen Digital noted that allowances promised in the old deal have not been harmonized, fueling anger among staff.
A November 5, 2025 return-to-work agreement required the new contract to be finalized and registered in court within 30 days. That deadline has passed with no deal. Union leaders say unresolved campus-specific demands also need attention before staff will return to classrooms.
Strike Could Stretch Months, Union Leader Warns
UASU Secretary General Constantine Wasonga signaled the walkout will not end quickly. He pointed to a nine-month strike in 2003 as evidence unions can hold firm for the long haul. Wasonga said, "This thing is going to take long" if the government does not shift its stance on pay and benefits.
President Ruto has pledged to tackle the staff's complaints, but no concrete steps have emerged yet. Students cannot attend classes while the strike continues, adding pressure on both universities and the government to broker a quick settlement. The longer negotiations drag on, the more academic time students will lose.
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