University lecturers across 42 public universities have rejected the government’s proposal to settle their Ksh7.9 billion salary arrears in two phases. The Kenya Universities Staff Union (KUSU) Secretary General, Charles Mukhwaya, confirmed that the nationwide strike will continue until the government agrees to pay the full amount at once.
Speaking on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, during an interview with a local media outlet, Mukhwaya emphasized that union members are frustrated by the prolonged delay in payment.
“The strike is still on. Our members across all 42 universities feel that the government owes them Ksh7.9 billion, and they want the full amount paid immediately,” he stated.
According to Mukhwaya, the Ministry of Education initially proposed a three-phase payment plan before revising it to two phases in an effort to end the standoff. However, the lecturers rejected both options, insisting that the delay since 2017 has already caused enough financial strain.
“They feel they have been owed this money for far too long from July 1, 2017, to date. Now the government wants to pay it in phases up to 2029. That’s unacceptable,” he added.
Mukhwaya further argued that the Ksh7.9 billion debt is too small an amount to be paid in instalments spanning several years. He noted that such delays significantly reduce the value of the money owed due to inflation.
“This little money is going to be paid for more than a decade. Where will the value of that money be by then?” he questioned.
Meanwhile, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has urged lecturers to end the strike, assuring them of the government’s commitment to resolving the issue. However, until an agreement is reached, university operations across the country remain paralyzed.
