After nearly seven weeks of disruption, university lecturers across Kenya have officially ended their 49-day strike following a breakthrough agreement between the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) and the national government.
The prolonged industrial action, which began in early September 2025, had paralyzed learning across all public universities, leaving thousands of students stranded and the academic calendar in disarray.
Agreement Reached at Last-Minute Talks
The decision to call off the strike came after intensive negotiations held at the Ministry of Education headquarters in Nairobi. UASU Secretary-General Dr. Constantine Wasonga and Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba jointly announced the deal, describing it as a “balanced resolution” that protects both lecturers’ welfare and students’ academic progress.
According to the agreement, the government will release KSh 7.9 billion to settle salary arrears owed to lecturers under the 2017–2021 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). The payment will be made in two phases — the first tranche to be cleared between November and December 2025, and the remaining balance by July 2026.
In addition, both parties agreed to initiate and conclude negotiations for the 2025–2029 CBA within the next 30 days, setting a roadmap for improved working conditions and future wage adjustments.
Students to Resume Classes Immediately
Universities are now expected to resume normal operations immediately. Institutions such as Egerton University, JKUAT, Pwani University, and Maseno University, which had suspended classes indefinitely due to the strike, have issued circulars recalling students to campus.
UASU leadership expressed regret over the prolonged standoff and apologized to students for the learning disruptions. “We thank our members for their patience and unity. The government has heard us, and we are ready to get back to class,” said Dr. Wasonga, who also warned that any breach of the agreement could reignite industrial action.
Government Response
Education CS Julius Ogamba commended both parties for embracing dialogue, noting that the agreement was a major step toward stabilizing the university sector. “This deal demonstrates that we can resolve disputes through engagement rather than confrontation. Our focus now is to restore normalcy and ensure that students recover the lost academic time,” Ogamba stated.
Effects of the Strike
The strike severely affected ongoing examinations, graduations, and research activities. Several institutions were forced to postpone end-of-semester exams, while others suspended graduation ceremonies indefinitely. The Kenya University Students Organization (KUSO) welcomed the agreement but urged the government to expedite payment to prevent future crises.
Way Forward
With the 49-day impasse now resolved, attention shifts to the implementation of the agreed terms. Both the Ministry of Education and UASU have pledged to monitor compliance closely to ensure the deal holds and that lecturers receive their dues promptly.
The resumption of learning brings relief to thousands of students and marks a critical step toward restoring stability in Kenya’s higher education sector.
