Learning at the University of Nairobi (UoN) was brought to a standstill on Wednesday morning after lecturers downed their tools, intensifying calls for the government to honor long-delayed collective bargaining agreements (CBAs).
The strike, which began around 10am, is part of a nationwide industrial action led by the University Academic Staff Union (UASU), Kenya University Staff Union (KUSU), and KUDHEIHA.
Lecturers are demanding the release of Ksh2.73 billion from Phase Two of the 2021–2025 CBA, settlement of Ksh7.9 billion outstanding from the 2017–2021 CBA, and urgent negotiations for the 2025–2029 CBA.
In scenes reminiscent of past protests, dons marched through the main campus waving placards, chanting, and blowing vuvuzelas. Their leaders accused the government of reneging on signed agreements, despite repeated meetings and submissions.
“Today we are issuing a seven-day strike notice over failure by the government to implement the 2021-2025 Phase Two CBA arrears for the 2025-2026 Financial Year totaling Ksh2.73 billion,” said UASU Secretary General Constantine Wesonga earlier this month.
Wesonga further criticized the State for ignoring public university staff, arguing that CBAs are never implemented without industrial action. “We cannot wait any longer. Do not be surprised. Every CBA in public universities has only been honored after a strike,” he said.
This latest strike comes less than a year after the October 2024 walkout, which disrupted academic calendars over salary arrears and delayed benefits. The dons then pushed for a 10 per cent increase in basic salary, a four per cent annual rise, and improved working conditions.
As the stalemate deepens, thousands of students at UoN and other public universities face uncertainty, with classes and research activities indefinitely suspended. Union officials have warned that the strike will not be called off until their demands are met.
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