There is renewed hope for thousands of university students across the country as negotiations between the government and striking lecturers enter the final stages, raising prospects of a possible end to the strike that has paralysed learning in public universities for over a month.
According to the lecturers, the government has shown goodwill and a willingness to resolve the dispute, proposing to release the Sh7.9 billion owed to university staff in two phases, a change from the earlier plan to disburse the amount in three phases.
Speaking after a meeting with government officials on Thursday, Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) Secretary General Dr Constantine Wasonga said the talks had been “candid,” though no final agreement had yet been reached.
Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) Secretary General Dr Constantine Wasonga speaks to the media in Nairobi on October 14, 2025.
Photo credit: Bonface Bogita | Nation Media Group
“We have been on strike since September 17. Negotiations have been ongoing, and today we had a candid discussion with the government. However, we couldn’t strike a deal yet. We are guided by our organs, and we will present the proposal to our National Executive Council (NEC) and National Delegates Conference (NDC) to take a position on the new developments,” said Dr Wasonga.
He assured university students that the union was committed to resolving the matter soon and urged them to remain calm as internal consultations continue.
“I urge students to stay calm; there is no need to go to the streets. Allow us a few days to settle this matter. As I promised the country, this time we must get it right. I promise that once we strike a deal, the next time I will call a strike will be in 2030.”
The strike—now dragging into its sixth week—has crippled lectures, research, and graduations in public universities. Lecturers are demanding full implementation of the 2021–2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), accusing the government of delaying its enforcement.
Dr Wasonga said he would convene the NEC on Thursday evening, followed by an NDC meeting tomorrow to deliberate on the government’s latest proposal. He further noted that University lecturers will remain on strike despite progress in negotiations with the government, the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) has announced, signalling that a deal could be close but not yet finalised.
“I call upon the Inter-Public Universities Councils Consultative Forum (IPUCCF) to expedite the review of their proposal with the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) so that we settle this once and for all,” he said.
“Our members, the strike is still on until we strike a return-to-work formula. Do not go back to work before we agree. The NEC will convene this evening, and the National Delegates Conference will sit tomorrow to take a position on the new developments,” he added.
Kenya Universities Staff Union (KUSU) Secretary General Charles Mukhwaya said the union has decided to escalate the matter and is engaging at all levels to fast-track the resolution of the ongoing lecturers’ strike. He noted that the union leadership is in constant communication with government representatives to ensure the pending issues are addressed comprehensively and in good faith.
Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) Secretary General Dr Constantine Wasonga (left) with Kenya Universities Staff Union (KUSU) Secretary-General Dr. Charles Mukhwaya speak to the media in Nairobi on October 14, 2025.
Photo credit: Bonface Bogita | Nation Media Group
“I am happy to report that the government has shown clear willingness and goodwill in dealing with this issue. As lobbying continues, we urge our members to remain out of work but stay vigilant. We believe these engagements will bear fruits soon. Members should allow the leadership to engage the government until we secure a lasting solution,” he said.
“Our employers must sit down and engage with the government to secure the monies owed to our members,” he added.
Mr Mukhwaya said the union is ready to convene its various organs to deliberate on the latest government proposal before issuing a formal response. According to him, the government has proposed to release the Sh7.9 billion owed to university staff in two phases — a change from the earlier plan to pay in three phases.
He further called on the Inter-Public Universities Councils Consultative Forum (IPUCCF) to expedite action on the second issue that triggered the strike — the implementation of the 2025–2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
“We urge IPUCCF to do what it is supposed to do and ensure the next CBA is concluded in time, so that university staff do not have to resort to industrial action again,” he said.
Universities Academic Staff Union National Chairperson Grace Nyongesa, Secretary-General Constantine Wasonga, and Organizing Secretary Onesmus Mutio at the Uasu head office in Nairobi on September 10, 2025.
Photo credit: Bonface Bogita | Nation
Initially, the unions rejected proposals that they first verify¬ the government’s figures or agree to a “return-to-formula” before resolving arrears and implementing the existing CBA. They said such sequencing would permit the state to delay substantive payment indefinitely.
Lecturers pointed to precedent: previous CBA implementations ran into double-digit billions for example, prior CBAs cost Sh13.5 billion and Sh9.7 billion in the earlier cycles, so a Sh3.1 billion offer for a four-year deal is mathematically and politically untenable, they say. With average inflation eroding pay (unions cite roughly 4.6 percent), the proposed figure would amount to effectively a token 2 percent uplift — well below their demands.
