University Staff Unions Call Off 49-Day Strike After Sh7.8 Billion Deal
Education Updated: 05 November 2025 17:03 EAT
UASU secretary general Constantine Wesonga among other teachers unions leaders
The prolonged strike by Kenyan university staff has officially been called off after unions and the government reached an agreement on the payment of Sh7.8 billion in arrears. The deal ends a 49-day industrial action that had paralyzed learning in public universities across the country.
According to Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) Secretary-General Constantine Wasonga, the payment will be made in two phases — the first tranche will be released between November and December 2025, while the second installment is scheduled for July 2026. The funds will cater for unpaid salary arrears under the 2017–2021 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
Wasonga announced that the unions — UASU, KUSU, and KUDHEIHA — had agreed to resume work following a written commitment from the Ministry of Education and the National Treasury to honor the phased payments. He added that the parties also agreed to conclude negotiations for the 2025–2029 CBA within the next 30 days.
The strike, which began in mid-September, had disrupted academic programs in public universities, leaving thousands of students stranded. Earlier, the unions had insisted on full lump-sum payment before resuming duty, but later softened their stance after government intervention.
Normal university operations are expected to resume immediately as staff return to work, marking the end of one of the longest industrial disputes in the sector in recent years.
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FELIX MAKONA
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