Public universities are staring at a fresh crisis after lecturers under the Universities Academic Staff Union (Uasu) issued a seven-day strike notice demanding the settlement of salary arrears amounting to Sh11.5 billion.
The lecturers, through their national leaders led by Secretary-General Dr. Constantine Wasonga, National Chairperson Dr. Grace Nyongesa, and Organising Secretary Onesmus Mutio, announced the industrial action during a press briefing in Nairobi on September 10.
According to Uasu, the government has consistently failed to honor the phased implementation of the 2017–2021 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which was meant to be paid in three tranches. While the first Sh3.4 billion was released in January 2025, the second and third installments of Sh2.73 billion each for June and September 2025 remain unpaid.
The union also decried delays in negotiating and registering the 2025–2029 CBA, which they insist should include salary increments, improved allowances, and enhanced retirement and death benefits. Dr. Wasonga accused the government of “perpetual neglect” of lecturers’ welfare, saying past engagements have yielded little unless backed by industrial action.
“The government only listens when learning is paralyzed. We are forced into this cycle every academic year,” he said.
If no action is taken, the strike will commence on September 17, potentially crippling teaching, research, and administration in all 37 public universities and constituent colleges. This comes just weeks after institutions reopened for the new academic year, raising fears of major disruptions to thousands of students.
The union also cited unimplemented court orders that directed the Treasury, the Ministry of Education, and the Salaries and Remuneration Commission to allocate funds for CBA implementation.
Uasu has vowed not to resume duty until the arrears are cleared, warning that lecturers have been financially strained for too long.
