Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba announced on Monday, October 13, 2025, that the government and the University Academic Staff Union (UASU) are making progress in resolving the lecturers' strike that has disrupted learning in public universities for nearly a month. Speaking to the media in Machakos, CS Ogamba expressed optimism that the industrial action, which began on September 17, 2025, could end within the week.

However, leaders from UASU and the Kenya University Staff Union (KUSU) have maintained a firm stance, stating they will not resume duties until outstanding payments from the 2017–2021 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) are fully addressed, and negotiations for the 2025–2029 CBA are concluded. They have described recent government meetings as 'public relations exercises' rather than genuine negotiations.

Historical and Political Context

The current strike stems from a protracted dispute over the implementation of the 2017–2021 CBA, which was signed on October 28, 2019, between the Inter-Public Universities Councils Consultative Forum (IPUCCF) and UASU, and subsequently registered by the Employment and Labour Relations Court. The union contends that the government still owes Ksh 7.9 billion from this agreement.

In May 2020, Parliament approved funding for the 2017–2021 CBA through Supplementary Budget II for the 2019/2020 Financial Year. The National Treasury, through the Ministry of Education, released Ksh 6.6 billion in July 2020 as an initial amount to cover part of the arrears for basic salaries. However, the unions argue that a balance of Ksh 7.9 billion remains unpaid.

Laws, Policy, and Governance

CS Ogamba, who assumed office in August 2024, has been actively involved in efforts to resolve the dispute. He indicated that a ministry delegation has been engaging with lecturers to work out a fair implementation of the 2017–2021 CBA. The Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) has reportedly agreed to pay Ksh 7.2 billion, falling short of the unions' demand of Ksh 7.9 billion, leaving a balance of Ksh 624 million.

UASU Secretary General Constantine Wesonga has accused the SRC of directly interfering in collective bargaining by limiting salary proposals to Ksh 3 billion over four years, an amount he described as insufficient for all university workers. The union maintains that the SRC's role should be advisory, not dictatorial, in line with labour conventions.

Stakeholders and Testimonies

University lecturers, including those from the Technical University of Kenya (TUK), have staged demonstrations over delayed pay and unfulfilled agreements. Students' unions across various universities have threatened to join the strike if the government does not act swiftly. UASU National Chairperson Grace Nyongesa has voiced the lecturers' deep frustration, citing collapsing pension schemes and heavy taxation without commensurate benefits.

Evidence and Data

Key Figures in the Lecturers' Strike:

• Strike Start Date: Thursday, September 17, 2025
• Disputed CBA: 2017–2021 Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Union's Demand (2017–2021 CBA): Ksh 7.9 billion
• SRC's Offer (2017–2021 CBA): Ksh 7.2 billion
• Outstanding Balance (Government's figure): Ksh 624 million
• New CBA Negotiations: 2025–2029 CBA
• SRC's Offer (2025–2029 CBA): Ksh 3 billion (rejected by unions)

The 2017–2021 CBA was signed on October 28, 2019, and was to remain in force until its successor, the 2021–2025 CBA (effective July 1, 2021, to June 30, 2025), was concluded. However, the 2021–2025 CBA was signed on November 23, 2024.

Risks and Implications

The prolonged strike continues to disrupt academic calendars, affecting thousands of students preparing for examinations and ongoing research projects. The unresolved dispute also raises concerns about the quality of public university education and the brain drain of academic talent if grievances are not adequately addressed. The unions have also raised concerns about promotions, citing the 2021–2025 CBA which stipulated that academic staff with at least three consecutive years of service were eligible for review and promotion, yet the SRC has not allocated funds for this.

Uncertainties and Controversies

Despite CS Ogamba's optimism, the unions' steadfast position on the full payment of the Ksh 7.9 billion and comprehensive negotiations for the new CBA presents a significant hurdle. There is also a discrepancy in the figures, with the unions maintaining the outstanding amount is Ksh 7.9 billion, while the government, through the SRC, claims a balance of Ksh 624 million. Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has distanced his ministry from the strike, stating that the responsibility lies with the Ministry of Education and the SRC.

Timeline and Next Steps

On Monday, October 13, 2025, talks between the Inter-Public Universities Councils Consultative Forum and university staff unions collapsed after hours of negotiations at Machakos University. Union leaders walked out, accusing the government of insincerity. A joint technical committee was formed on Thursday, October 9, 2025, during a meeting in Machakos to verify outstanding pay arrears. The outcome of this audit is expected to influence the next phase of negotiations.

What to Watch

All eyes will be on the report from the joint technical committee tasked with auditing the outstanding payments. The government's response to the unions' demand for the full Ksh 7.9 billion and the progress of negotiations for the 2025–2029 CBA will determine whether learning resumes in public universities. The potential for student unions to join the strike also remains a critical factor.