Lecturers across Kenyan universities are set to resume duties following the signing of a return-to-work formula between the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) and the government. The agreement brings to an end a protracted strike that had disrupted learning across public universities.
UASU National Chairperson Grace Nyongesa, speaking on NTV, hailed the deal as a milestone in restoring industrial harmony and protecting the rights of academic staff. She emphasized that job security was the union’s top priority after reports emerged that some lecturers had faced suspensions, lockouts, and other disciplinary measures during the strike.
“When people are out on strike, there are threats from employers. The first thing is to ensure we guarantee the jobs for our members,” Nyongesa said.
Under the signed formula, UASU agreed to call off the strike once the agreement took effect. In return, the Inter-Public Universities Consultative Council Forum (IPUCCF) committed to withdraw all disciplinary actions initiated during the industrial action. The deal guarantees that no lecturer will lose their job, benefits, or salary for participating in the strike.
The financial component of the agreement includes a Sh7.9 billion payment plan for the outstanding dues owed to lecturers. The government will release the first tranche of Sh3.9 billion in December, while the second installment remains under discussion. The Phase Two arrears under the 2021–2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), amounting to Sh2.73 billion, have been marked as settled pending final verification.
Nyongesa expressed frustration over delayed payments, noting that earlier proposals to spread the disbursement to 2029 were rejected by 98 percent of union delegates. The breakthrough was achieved after talks involving Deputy President Kindiki, leading to the two-tranche payment plan.
“It’s been a long process, but we hope this sets a precedent for how academic staff are treated moving forward,” Nyongesa said.
