NAIROBI, Kenya – Public university lecturers and staff have called off their two-month strike after reaching a deal with the government on the payment of a KSh7.9 billion debt owed under the 2017–2021 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
The Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU), Kenya Universities Staff Union (KUSU), and Kenya Union of Domestic, Hotels, Educational Institutions, Hospitals and Allied Workers (KUDHEIHA) signed a return-to-work formula outlining a two-installment payment plan to be completed by June 2026.
UASU Secretary-General Constantine Wasonga said the first tranche of KSh3.8 billion will be released between November and December this year, while the remaining amount will be settled in June 2026.
“We have agreed to be paid in two instalments — one between November and December, and the second in June next year. We are happy that we have secured the whole amount,” Wasonga said.
The unions have also signed a framework to kickstart negotiations for the 2025–2029 CBA, aimed at reviewing the terms of service for academic and non-teaching staff in public universities.
Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi acknowledged that the government could not clear the full amount at once, citing financial constraints.
“The government is cash-strapped and cannot foot the KSh7.9 billion at once. We urge lecturers to accept the phased payments,” Mbadi said on Tuesday.
The industrial action, which began in early September, had paralyzed learning and administrative operations in public universities nationwide.
UASU had earlier maintained that lecturers would not return to class until the arrears were paid in full. However, the new deal now clears the way for academic programs to resume this week.
