The Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) has issued a 7-day strike notice to the government. The notice, dated September 10, 2025, was signed by lecturers from 41 public universities.
If no action is taken, lecturers will stop teaching on Wednesday, September 17, 2025.
Why Lecturers Are Striking
Speaking at a press briefing, UASU Secretary General Constantine Wasonga said the government has failed to honour existing Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs).
He revealed that arrears have accumulated to Ksh.3.27 billion. Despite a court directive ordering the government to release funds, no payment has been made.
“We expected the monies to be paid before the onset of the September term. The Ministry of Education has been playing PR, saying ‘we are going to pay.’ We will respond in the same style—the dons are back on the streets,” Wasonga said.
Fresh Demands
UASU is also pushing for negotiations on the 2025/2026 CBA. Wasonga pointed out that other education sector workers have already negotiated their CBAs and are enjoying the benefits.
The union insists that learning will only resume once:
- The arrears are paid in full.
- Negotiations for the new CBA are concluded.
Impact on Students
If the strike goes ahead, it will disrupt the start of the September term in public universities. Thousands of students could be affected, with lectures, research, and examinations likely to stall.
Education stakeholders are calling for urgent dialogue between the union and the government to prevent a nationwide shutdown.
For now, the ball is in the government’s court as UASU vows to hold firm until all its demands are met.
