Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro has backed university lecturers on strike, urging the government to honor all signed collective bargaining agreements (CBAs).
The strike began on Wednesday, September 17, and has affected learning in 37 public universities. The lecturers’ main demands are:
- Payment of Sh2.73 billion.
- Settlement of Sh8.8 billion arrears from the 2017–21 CBA.
- Negotiation, registration, and implementation of the 2025–29 CBA.
Lecturers Have Legal Right to Demand Fair Pay
Speaking at the University of Nairobi, where he graduated with a Master of Arts in Economics, Nyoro said lecturers are legally entitled to fair remuneration.
“Our lecturers and professors in Kenya are not paid according to their skills and the work they do,” he said.
Nyoro added that honoring the CBAs is the first step to keeping universities running smoothly. He also called for more funding for research and student loans, especially for vulnerable students.
Uasu Rejects Government Proposals
Universities Academic Staff Union (Uasu) Secretary General Constantine Wasonga launched the strike at Maseno University. He rejected the government’s offer of a two percent increment and staggered allowances.
Wasonga said lecturers deserve the same pay treatment as teachers, who received between 16 and 32 percent increments from the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC).
He also refuted claims by Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba that Sh2.73 billion had been paid. The only correspondence received was a letter from SRC about convening a salary review.
“They can meet while we are on the streets. But this strike will not end unless our three demands are fully met,” Wasonga said.
Strike Disrupts Learning
With the strike ongoing, universities face prolonged disruptions. Nyoro’s support highlights the urgent need for the government to honor existing CBAs and address lecturers’ demands to restore normalcy.
