Lecturers to Resume Classes This Week as New CBA Deal Nears
Public university lecturers are expected to return to class this week following a breakthrough in negotiations between the government and the University Academic Staff Union (UASU), Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has announced.
The month-long strike, which began on September 17, 2025, has disrupted learning across all public universities. Ogamba confirmed that both parties are finalizing terms for the 2025–2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and resolving outstanding issues from the 2017–2021 deal.
Ksh7.2 Billion Paid, Ksh624 Million Balance Remains
Ogamba revealed that the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) has disbursed Ksh7.2 billion toward lecturers’ demands—slightly below their Ksh7.9 billion claim. A balance of Ksh624 million remains under discussion.
“We met with the union over the weekend in Machakos,” Ogamba said. “They are finalizing their report today to determine the exact outstanding amount, after which we’ll issue clear next steps.”
Lecturers’ Core Grievances
The strike centered on long-standing welfare issues, including the lack of automatic annual salary increments, delays in statutory deductions, and inadequate medical insurance and pension schemes. Student unions had also threatened to join the protest if the impasse persisted.
UASU Secretary General Constantine Wesonga previously accused the SRC of overstepping its advisory role. They capped the proposed CBA at Ksh3 billion over four years. Wesonga called that figure insufficient for the three academic staff unions nationwide.
Return to Normalcy Expected
With negotiations nearing conclusion, Ogamba expressed confidence that lectures would resume before the week ends. The ministry has directed university councils to prepare for immediate academic recovery once the agreement is signed.
