The standoff between university lecturers and the government has deepened after the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) rejected the government’s proposal to settle Ksh7.9 billion in arrears in two phases, demanding full payment before resuming duty.
Speaking in Nairobi on Friday, UASU Secretary General Constantine Wesonga said lecturers will not return to class until the government clears the entire amount owed under the 2017–2021 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
“The government has been signing documents and reneging on them. Lecturers are ready to go the long haul but this time, tunamalizana this year,” Wesonga declared, emphasizing that the payment must be made in one lump sum.
The union’s National Executive Committee (NEC) and National Delegates Council (NDC) resolved that three conditions must be met before the ongoing strike, now in its 46th day, is called off.
First, the Ksh7.9 billion must be paid immediately and in full. Second, the 2025–2029 CBA must be negotiated, signed, and implemented without delay. Third, all lecturers and university staff will continue with the industrial action until these demands are met.
Wesonga criticized the government for offering phased payments, arguing that lecturers “do not dispense knowledge in phases” and that their bills cannot wait.
Education Cabinet Secretary Migos Ogamba had earlier acknowledged the ongoing impasse, saying the main contention remained the total amount to be paid, not the government’s willingness to settle the arrears.
The lecturers had also dismissed an earlier Ksh3.5 billion offer by the Education Ministry, insisting that only full settlement of the arrears will end the strike that has paralyzed learning in public universities for over six weeks.
 rejected the government’s proposal to settle Ksh7.9 billion in arrears in two phases, demanding full payment before resuming duty.){kind=link}