NAIROBI,—-University-staff-unions-have-called-off-their-49-day-strike-after-reaching-an-agreement-with-the-government-on-the-release-of-Sh7.8-billion-to-settle-salary-arrears-and-implement-parts-of-the-2021–2025-Collective-Bargaining-Agreement-(CBA).-[cite:-3,-9]

The-deal,-announced-on-Wednesday,-November-5,-2025,-provides-for-the-payment-of-the-funds-in-two-tranches,—the-first-in-November-2025-and-the-second-in-July-2026.-[cite:-3,-9]

The-Universities-Academic-Staff-Union-(UASU),-Kenya-University-Staff-Union-(KUSU),-and-Kenya-Union-of-Domestic,-Hotels,-Educational-Institutions,-Hospitals-and-Allied-Workers-(KUDHEIHA)-jointly-announced-the-suspension-of-the-industrial-action.-[cite:-3,-4,-9]

Relief-for-Students

The-unions'-decision-brings-to-an-end-a-standoff-that-had-paralysed-learning-in-public-universities-for-weeks,-affecting-over-600,000-students.-[cite:-4,-5,-6]-Several-universities,-including-Egerton-University,-Pwani-University,-Karatina-University,-Laikipia-University,-and-Jomo-Kenyatta-University-of-Agriculture-and-Technology-(JKUAT),-had-suspended-operations-and-asked-students-to-vacate-the-campuses.-[cite:-5]

UASU-Secretary-General-Constantine-Wasonga-said-the-unions-accepted-the-government’s-offer-in-good-faith,-describing-it-as-a-positive-step-toward-resolving-long-standing-grievances-over-pay-disparities-and-delayed-promotions.-[cite:-3,-8,-9]-“We-have-agreed-to-return-to-work-after-receiving-firm-assurances-that-the-government-will-honour-its-commitments-within-the-agreed-timelines,”-Dr.-Wasonga-said.-[cite:-3,-9]

Education-Cabinet-Secretary-Julius-Ogamba-welcomed-the-move,-saying-it-would-restore-stability-in-higher-learning-institutions-and-allow-students-to-complete-their-academic-calendar-without-further-disruption.-[cite:-3,-4,-8,-9]-“The-government-remains-committed-to-improving-the-welfare-of-university-staff-and-ensuring-quality-education-for-all,”-Ogamba-stated.-[cite:-3,-8,-9]

Details-of-the-Agreement

The-agreement-outlines-a-two-phased-payment-plan-for-the-Sh7.9-billion,-with-Sh3.88-billion-to-be-paid-by-December-31,-2025,-and-the-remaining-Sh3.88-billion-by-July-2026.-[cite:-4]-The-deal-also-commits-both-parties-to-conclude-negotiations-for-the-2025-2029-CBA-within-30-days.-[cite:-4,-6,-10]

As-part-of-the-return-to-work-formula,-all-disciplinary-actions-against-lecturers-linked-to-the-strike-will-be-withdrawn,-and-participation-in-the-industrial-action-will-not-prejudice-contract-renewals.-[cite:-4,-12]-Withheld-salaries-for-September-and-October-2025-are-to-be-released-by-Monday,-November-10.-[cite:-12]

Path-to-Resolution

The-strike,-which-began-on-September-17,-was-triggered-by-the-non-payment-of-arrears-from-the-2017-2021-CBA-and-delays-in-implementing-the-2021–2025-CBA.-[cite:-4,-15]-Tensions-persisted-over-the-timelines-for-negotiating-the-new-CBA.-[cite:-4]

The-resolution-followed-intense-negotiations,-with-the-intervention-of-the-National-Assembly's-Education-Committee,-chaired-by-Tinderet-MP-Julius-Melly.-[cite:-5,-10]-Treasury-Cabinet-Secretary-John-Mbadi-had-indicated-that-the-government-was-cash-strapped-and-could-not-pay-the-owed-money-at-once,-urging-the-striking-staff-to-accept-instalment-payments.-[cite:-4,-6]

Universities-are-now-expected-to-reorganise-their-academic-calendars-to-recover-lost-time-and-ensure-a-smooth-progression-for-students.-[cite:-4,-5,-14]