By Vincent Kariuki
The Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) has intensified its industrial action after failed negotiations with the Government of Kenya over unpaid salary arrears and implementation of collective bargaining agreements (CBAs).
According to the Elimu Bora Working Group (EBWG), which has pledged solidarity with the striking lecturers, the government owes university staff more than Ksh 10.6 billion in pending arrears from previous CBAs.
The union says Ksh 7.9 billion remains unpaid from the 2017–2021 CBA cycle, while an additional Ksh 2.7 billion is outstanding from the 2022–2025 cycle. UASU further accuses the government of dragging its feet in concluding and registering the 2025–2029 CBA.
“UASU has a right to demand full implementation of those agreements since the government is under obligation to protect and uphold the lecturers’ right to fair labor practices, fair remuneration, and reasonable working conditions,” the EBWG said in a statement.
The union argues that chronic underfunding of universities has undermined access, equity, and quality in higher education. With demand for university education continuing to grow, many institutions face shortages of lecture halls, libraries, laboratories, hostels, and internet connectivity, leading to deteriorating learning environments and rising student dropout rates.
Over the years, UASU has championed better pay and working conditions for lecturers, as well as the modernization of teaching facilities. The union has also pushed for meaningful dialogue between government, lecturers, and students in shaping education policy.
Despite previous commitments from the Treasury, the Ministry of Education, the Federation of Universities Councils, and even past interventions from State House, UASU says the government has failed to honor its promises, opting instead for “half-hearted measures.”
EBWG has now demanded that the government:
Pay the Ksh 7.9 billion owed from the 2017–2021 CBA.
Pay the Ksh 2.7 billion owed from the 2022–2025 CBA.
Conclude, sign, and implement the 2025–2029 CBA without delay.
“We demand that the Government negotiates, signs, registers and implements the 2025–2029 CBA immediately,” EBWG said, adding that the state must engage with lecturers and other public servants in good faith.
The industrial action has disrupted learning in public universities, raising concerns about the completion of academic calendars if the stalemate persists.