University lecturers show enthusiasm after striking a deal with govt. Photo/Courtesy
By Daisy Okiring
Public university lecturers across Kenya have called off their 49-day strike after reaching an agreement with the government to pay Sh7.9 billion in salary arrears owed under the 2017–2021 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
The breakthrough, sealed at Nairobi’s Jogoo House on Wednesday afternoon, followed hours of negotiations between union officials and senior government representatives led by Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba and Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi.
Deal Ends Weeks of Disruption
The deal brings relief to over 600,000 university students whose academic schedules had been disrupted since mid-September when lecturers downed their tools over unpaid arrears.
Under the new agreement, the government will pay the amount in two phases: Sh3.8 billion by December 2025 and the remaining balance by June 2026. The unions also secured a commitment to finalize the 2025–2029 CBA negotiations within 30 days.
UASU Secretary General Constantine Wasonga said the agreement marks a “hard-won victory” for academic staff who have endured months of financial strain.
“We have achieved what we wanted — a clear payment schedule backed by firm timelines,” said Wasonga. “The government’s commitment to settle the full Sh7.9 billion was the key reason our members agreed to resume work.”
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Government Cites Budget Constraints
Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi admitted that the government could not afford to make a one-off payment due to ongoing budgetary pressures.
“The economy is still recovering. It was not possible to release the full amount at once,” Mbadi explained. “However, the agreed plan guarantees full payment by mid-2026 without compromising other national priorities.”
Education CS Julius Ogamba praised the unions for demonstrating what he described as “maturity and patriotism,” noting that the deal would allow learning to resume in all public universities.
“This agreement represents renewed trust between the government and our academic workforce,” Ogamba said. “We are determined to rebuild cooperation in higher education.”
Parliament Mediates Final Talks
The resolution came just a day after a tense session before the National Assembly Committee on Education, where MPs appealed for compromise. Committee chair Julius Melly said lawmakers would ensure that lecturers are not victimized for participating in the strike.
“We’ve agreed that no disciplinary action will be taken against any lecturer. Their arrears will also be prioritized in the 2026/2027 budget,” Melly stated.
The prolonged strike had sparked growing concern among parents and students, with several universities, including JKUAT and Moi University, temporarily closing campuses.
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Unions Vow to Stay Vigilant
While lecturers welcomed the agreement, union leaders said they would remain watchful to ensure the government delivers on its promises.
“We are ending this strike in good faith, but we expect transparency in implementation. If the deadlines are not met, we will not hesitate to take action,” said KUSU Secretary General Charles Mukhwaya.
The 49-day standoff had paralyzed operations in all 39 public universities, halting graduations and research activities. With classes set to resume immediately, the focus now shifts to the pending 2025–2029 CBA, expected to introduce new allowances and review academic staff remuneration.
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