Learning in public universities is set to resume after lecturers called off their 49-day strike, following a deal with the government to settle outstanding arrears and finalize a new salary agreement.
The breakthrough was reached after a morning-long meeting between officials from the Ministry of Education and representatives from the lecturers’ unions held at Jogoo House in Nairobi.
Deal to Pay Sh7.9 Billion in Two Phases
According to the agreement, the government will pay Sh7.9 billion in arrears in two phases. The first tranche of Sh3.8 billion will be paid between November and December 2025, while the remaining balance will be cleared by July 2026.
“We have agreed to be paid in two instalments — one between November and December for Sh3.8 billion, and the second in July next year. We are happy that we have secured the whole amount,” said UASU Secretary General Constantine Wasonga.
Wasonga confirmed that lecturers would resume teaching immediately, expressing optimism that all pending issues would now be resolved in good faith.
Commitment to Finalize 2025–2029 CBA
As part of the deal, both parties agreed to conclude the 2025–2029 Comprehensive Bargaining Agreement (CBA) within 30 days.
Unions involved in the agreement include the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU), Kenya Universities Staff Union (KUSU), and the Kenya Union of Domestic Hotels, Educational Institutions, Hospitals & Allied Workers (KUDHEIHA).
UASU’s Wasonga cautioned the government to honour the agreement, saying:
“It is upon the government to honour what we have signed here today. If you honour it, I want to commit that there shall be no strike called by UASU up to 2030.”
Government Welcomes End of Strike
Education Cabinet Secretary Migos Ogamba, who witnessed the signing alongside PSs Prof Julius Bitok (Basic Education) and Beatrice Inyangala (Higher Education and Research), welcomed the deal.
Ogamba said the resumption of lectures would restore normalcy in public universities, ensuring students complete their academic calendar without further disruption.
“This agreement marks a new chapter of cooperation between the government and the university teaching fraternity. We are committed to improving the welfare of our educators and maintaining stability in higher education,” the CS stated.
