University Strike: UASU Lecturers Protest as Talks With Govt Collapse

University Strike: UASU Lecturers Protest as Talks With Govt Collapse.

Members of the University Academic Staff Union (UASU) staged a procession to express their concerns to the government regarding the ongoing industrial strike, which has disrupted learning in universities across the country.

The procession commenced at the University of Nairobi’s graduation square, with participants declaring their intention to march to Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD). Their goal was to petition key government offices, including the Ministry of Education and the Treasury, for action on their demands.

UASU Secretary General Constantine Wesonga emphasized lecturers’ frustrations, highlighting long-standing issues such as stagnation in promotions and inadequate financial benefits.

He stated that the union members deserved car loans and mortgage schemes as taxpayers and decried stagnation in job groups for up to 20 years compared to other professions that receive promotions every three years.

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Wesonga further accused the government of attempting to manipulate union officials into accepting unfavorable terms, calling for solidarity among members. He instructed lecturers to down their tools from October 29, following the collapse of negotiations with the government.

Strike Escalates as Negotiations Stall

The strike entered its third week, with no resolution in sight. Attempts to end the stalemate failed as the Interpublic Universities Council Consultative Forum (IPUCCF) did not present documents supporting a proposed Ksh4.3 billion offer.

This proposal fell significantly short of the Ksh9.7 billion outlined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) signed in September 2024.

During a meeting with the National Assembly Educational Committee on November 5, Wesonga reiterated the union’s stand. He demanded that the government implement the CBA without introducing new parameters, rejecting the verbal offer and calling for transparency in the process.

Students and other academic staff joined UASU members in the march, singing solidarity songs and waving banners to demand swift government action. Participants called for the full implementation of the CBA to resolve the strike and restore normalcy in universities.

The lecturers also urged senior government officials at the Ministry of Education and Treasury to outline the steps being taken to address their concerns. Wesonga stressed that the union would not accept misleading offers and warned against attempts to exploit lecturers’ financial understanding.

Summary of Key Issues

Senator Omtatah Calls for Urgent Resolution of University Lecturers’ Strike

Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has urged the government and university lecturers to resolve the ongoing strike, which has severely disrupted learning across public universities.

He expressed concern over the toll on students, highlighting that they are the most affected by the crisis. The prolonged strike has left many confined to campuses without access to classes, food, or essential support, causing significant mental and emotional distress.

Omtatah emphasized that this stalemate is detrimental not only to students’ academic progress but also to their overall well-being, urging all stakeholders to prioritize students’ needs and work collaboratively to resolve the impasse.

The senator criticized the government’s inconsistent response to the strike, noting that shifting between engagement and inaction has worsened the situation.

He called for sincere and urgent dialogue between the government and the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) to address the underlying issues. He stressed that prolonged inactivity risks derailing students’ aspirations and hindering their long-term potential.

Omtatah appealed to both parties to act swiftly and responsibly to restore stability in universities, ensuring students can continue their education in a supportive environment.

The strike, now in its fourth week, was initiated by UASU after the government failed to honor a Return-To-Work Formula (RTWF) agreed upon on September 26, 2024.

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This agreement included a proposed salary increment of 7–10 percent under the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). However, the government has only signed off on a 4.5 percent increment, which remains unpaid.

This marks the second strike by lecturers within two months, following a suspension of the previous one on September 26.

Omtatah warned that the prolonged crisis risks not only delaying academic programs but also affecting the future prospects of thousands of students.

University Strike: UASU Lecturers Protest as Talks With Govt Collapse

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