The dispute between university lecturers and the government has moved to the courts, deepening the crisis in higher education.
Through the Universities Academic Staff Union (Uasu), lecturers are seeking to have top government officials jailed for failing to implement court-mandated salary reviews. Those cited include Education CS Julius Migos Ogamba, Treasury CS John Mbadi, Labour CS Alfred Mutua, Attorney-General Dorcas Oduor, SRC Secretary Margaret Njoka, and IPUCCF leaders Prof Fred Barasa and Prof Daniel Mugendi.
Uasu’s lawyer Titus Koceyo told the Employment and Labour Relations Court that the officials ignored orders to settle arrears of Sh2.73 billion from the 2021–2025 CBA and also failed to complete obligations under the 2017–2021 deal. The union argues this amounts to contempt and seeks six-month jail terms or fines against the officials.
The strike, which started on September 17, has brought public universities to a halt, leaving thousands of students stranded. Despite the Ministry of Education’s announcement of Sh2.73 billion in arrears, Uasu insists the matter is unresolved and accuses the Inter-Public Universities Councils Consultative Forum of misleading the court.
Beyond the arrears, Uasu is pushing for a 2025–2029 CBA with sweeping reforms. Proposed benefits include higher salaries, improved commuter and housing allowances, ICT and book grants, extended retirement age to 74, and death benefits covering 96 months’ salary.
Graduate assistants could earn Sh86,000 monthly, while professors could see their pay rise to Sh305,000 excluding allowances. With additional perks, top academics might earn close to Sh1 million a month by 2029.
Secretary-General Constantine Wasonga said the strike would continue until the government demonstrates full compliance with past CBAs and engages in meaningful negotiation for the future.
The court will hear the contempt case on October 6, a date that could determine whether industrial harmony returns or the standoff worsens.
