The Universities’ Academic Staff Union (UASU) has issued a seven-day strike notice to the Technical University of Kenya (TUK) Council, signaling a looming shutdown of academic activities at the public institution.
The notice, dated October 10, 2025, was signed by Constantine Wasonga, the National Secretary General of UASU, and received by the university on October 13.
Reasons Behind the Strike
Notably, the union cites six major grievances that have remained unresolved for years, despite previous agreements and government commitments:
-
Unimplemented Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs)
UASU accuses TUK of failing to implement the 2013–2017 Local CBA, which was signed in 2019. Additionally, arrears from the 2012–2013 CBA, implemented in 2014, remain unpaid.
-
Salary Delays
Lecturers have reportedly not received their salaries since July 2025. According to UASU, this is in violation of the Return-To-Work Formula (RTWF) signed on March 17, 2025.
-
Pension Scheme Concerns
The union demands the establishment of a pension scheme in line with the Retirement Benefits Act and the Employment Act, 2007. This has been a long-standing issue affecting staff retirement security.
-
Violation of Signed Agreements
UASU claims that the RTWF signed between the unions, the university council, and the Ministry of Education has not been honored, undermining trust and industrial harmony.
-
Infringement of Rights
The union also protests what it calls “blatant violation” of academic staff’s fundamental rights and freedoms, though specific examples were not detailed in the notice.
According to Dr. Wasonga, the strike is set to begin on October 20, 2025, if the university council fails to address the listed concerns.
UASU stated that all academic staff will withdraw their labor and will not resume duty until the issues are resolved.
Should the industrial action take place, students preparing for end-of-semester exams and ongoing research projects may be particularly affected.
The strike notice was copied to key government officials, including the Cabinet Secretaries for Labor and Education, as well as the Vice Chancellor of TUK.
Lecturers across the country are already on strike over a disputed Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with UASU and the government, which are maintaining hardline positions.
Also Read: Quick Way to Find Out Your TSC Registration Status
Education Ministry Faces Mounting Debt Crisis
Kenya’s Ministry of Education is grappling with a deepening financial crisis, with debts across the sector exceeding Ksh200 billion.
Public universities alone owe Ksh85 billion, mostly in unpaid taxes and supplier bills. Institutions like Kenyatta University and the University of Nairobi top the list, each with over Ksh12 billion in arrears.
Private universities are also affected, with the government owing Ksh65.5 billion under the Differentiated Unit Cost model.
Public schools face a Ksh64 billion funding gap, with capitation delays and underfunding threatening operations.
Also Read: Govt Announces Fresh Guidelines as KDF Recruitment Kicks Off Countrywide
The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) required Ksh12.58 billion for 2025 exams but received only Ksh5.9 billion, forcing reallocation from school budgets.
Meanwhile, teachers await salary reviews and promotions, which are stalled due to a lack of funds.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
