University lecturers in Kenya remain on strike as the government and workers’ unions hold make-or-break negotiations aimed at ending the disruption that has affected public universities across the country.
The nationwide strike began on October 2, 2026, after the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU), Kenya Universities Staff Union (KUSU) and other staff unions raised concerns over the implementation of the 2025–2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
The dispute has disrupted teaching and learning in public universities, leaving many students uncertain about when normal academic activities will resume.
On Thursday, October 8, representatives of the unions were scheduled to meet an inter-ministerial government committee at the Ministry of Labour in Nairobi. The meeting is considered important because both sides are trying to find a solution to the disagreement and establish conditions for the lecturers to return to work.
The unions want the government to make firm commitments on financing the new pay agreement before they agree to a return-to-work arrangement. Their demands include improvements in salaries, allowances, pensions, research support and other working conditions.
The government, however, maintains that it has already cleared outstanding arrears from previous collective bargaining agreements. Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has urged the lecturers to return to their classrooms while negotiations continue.
UASU Secretary-General Constantine Wasonga has maintained that the lecturers will not call off the strike until their major demands are addressed. His position reflects the seriousness of the disagreement between the unions and the government.
The ongoing negotiations are therefore being closely watched by students, parents and university administrators, as a successful agreement could bring an end to the strike and allow academic activities to resume.
