University lecturers across Kenya have vowed to continue their strike until the government releases the full Ksh.7.9 billion owed to them under the 2017–2021 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). The educators, under the University Academic Staff Union (UASU) and the Kenya University Staff Union (KUSU), have dismissed ongoing negotiations as “public relations exercises” by the State.
During a protest outside the University of Nairobi on Wednesday, UASU National Chairperson Grace Nyongesa said lecturers would not resume work until the long-standing dispute is resolved.
“We are marching for victory. On the 2017–2021 CBA, our demand is clear we want the full Ksh.7.9 billion implemented. Four years down the line, its value has already depreciated,” Nyongesa said.
She added that lecturers are frustrated by the government’s failure to honor court-ordered payments, citing heavy taxation, collapsing pension schemes, and diminishing respect for the teaching profession.
UASU Secretary-General Dr. Constantine Wesonga confirmed that the unions were invited to a payroll audit meeting in Machakos to verify arrears but dismissed it as unnecessary.
“The court ruled the amount stands at Ksh.7.8 billion. We will not allow the government to overturn that judgment through the back door,” he stated.
KUSU Secretary-General Dr. Charles Mukhwaya criticized Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba for mishandling the talks, accusing him of undermining the court’s decision.
“The Ksh.7.9 billion is non-negotiable. Ogamba has no power to revise a court order,” he said.
The ongoing strike, now in its fourth week, has paralysed learning in public universities nationwide. The unions have also rejected the government’s offer of Ksh.3 billion for the 2025–2029 CBA, terming it “a joke.”
Lecturers maintain they will not return to work until the outstanding dues are fully paid and fresh negotiations for a new CBA commence.
