COUNTRYWIDE LECTURERS STRIKE SPREADS AS MORE UNIVERSITIES JOIN THE PROTEST

The nationwide strike by university lecturers has intensified, with more public universities halting learning as staff demand billions in unpaid salary arrears and swift registration of a new pay deal.
The Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) and Kenya Universities Staff Union (KUSU) say the government has yet to honour the 2021–2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), citing Ksh 2.73 billion in unpaid Phase Two arrears and an additional Ksh 7.9 billion dating back to the 2017–2021 CBA. The unions are also pushing for immediate negotiation and registration of the 2025–2029 CBA to secure future pay rises.
Learning has ground to a halt in major institutions including the University of Nairobi, Moi University, Egerton University and Maseno University. Lecturers insist they will stay out of classrooms until all outstanding dues are reflected in their accounts.
Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu said the National Treasury has released funds and appealed to lecturers to suspend the strike to allow time for disbursements. But union officials maintain no money has reached their members and accuse the government of repeated delays and broken promises.
The standoff threatens to disrupt academic calendars, delay graduations and strain operations in public universities if not resolved promptly.