Lecturers across Kenya boycotted work on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, following the lapse of their industrial action notice. Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) lecturers at the University of Nairobi (UoN), Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST), Technical University of Mombasa (TUM), and Maseno University have downed their tools.
The lecturers have accused the government of failing to meet the financial demands agreed upon in the Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs).
The strike follows Treasury’s release of Ksh2.5 billion to implement Phase Two of the 2021–2025 CBAs in a bid to quell the impending strike.
Earlier, UASU issued a seven-day strike notice to all councils of public universities and constituent colleges.
Other universities that have joined the strike include Dedan Kimathi, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST), Kirinyaga, Moi, and Multimedia
UoN, MMUST, Moi and Maseno University Lecturers Go on Strike
UASU Chapter Secretary at the University of Nairobi (UoN), Maloba Wekesa, on Wednesday, September 17, accused the government of neglecting lecturers, citing that pending fiscal arrears remain unsettled.
Further, he said that Ksh7.9 billion owed under the 2017 CBA has yet to be paid, despite a court ruling in favour of the agreed terms.
“In 2017-2021, we had a similar CBA. It took 36 months for the government to pen down an agreement. We were denied a yearly increment. Courts said go ahead and implement. On March 25th 2025, the court ruled in favour,” he said.
“UoN staffers’ healthcare matters are taken for granted; management should address these matters.”
Also Read: Lecturers from 41 Public Universities Issue 7-Day Strike Notice
Lecturers Down Tools
At Multimedia University, KUSU chairman Omondi Kosano stated that the strike is now official until the government implements the CBA.
“We cannot predict ending the strike any time soon. We can only do so when the government realizes and comes to its senses to honour our money. We are going to paralyze learning in our institutions. We officially launch our strike,” said Kosano.
At the same time, UASU’s Moi University Acting Secretary General, Dan Mukhwana, said the strike would only end once the government fulfils its obligations.
“Our CBA of four years ago has not been implemented. If that money isn’t paid, we are not returning to classes. The next cycle began in July, yet no counteroffer has been presented. We have no choice but to strike,” he stated.
Wekesa said the strike had become the most amicable way to address issues.
“The inability of the government to measure up to the expectations of what our education should be has been forcing tutors to the streets. The strike is the way of survival,” Wekesa said.
Also Read: Moi University Gives Way Forward on Admission of New Students Amid Lecturers Strike
UASU Lists Three Demands
UASU outlined three key grievances that remain unresolved despite a court directive stating that the SRC should work together with the IPUCCF Implementation Committee, the Ministry of Education, and the Treasury to make provision for the additional budgetary allocation necessary for implementing the CBAs.
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Failure to implement the 2021-2025 Phase Two CBA arrears amounting to Ksh. 2.73 billion for the 2025/2026 financial year.
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Failure to negotiate, conclude, register, and implement the 2025-2029 National CBA in line with the Recognition Agreement signed on October 28, 2019, between UASU and the Inter-Public Universities’ Councils Consultative Forum (IPUCCF).
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Failure to implement the 2017-2021 CBA, despite rulings by the Employment and Labour Relations Court (ELRC CBA Nos. 1, 2, and 3 of 2020), which directed the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) to work with IPUCCF, the Ministry of Education, and the Treasury to provide the necessary budgetary allocation.
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