Dr. Constantine Wesonga: The Scholar, Advocate and Defender of Kenya’s Academic Workforce
Dr. Constantine Wesonga has steadily risen through Kenya’s educational and labour landscape to become one of the country’s most influential voices in academia. Known for his firm yet pragmatic leadership as the Secretary-General of the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU), Dr. Wesonga’s journey reflects both the aspirations and the struggles of the Kenyan intellectual class—an odyssey that combines scholarship, service, and advocacy for fair labour practices in higher education.
Early Life and Education
Born and raised in Kenya, Dr. Wesonga’s passion for education began early in life, driven by a strong belief that knowledge is the foundation of social progress. While much of his early background remains private, those close to him describe a man deeply rooted in humility and service. His academic path would soon reflect that commitment to learning and leadership.
Dr. Wesonga earned his Bachelor of Education (Arts) degree, majoring in History and Religious Education, a qualification that opened doors to the classroom and allowed him to begin shaping young minds. His intellectual curiosity and growing interest in governance and justice led him to pursue law, where he obtained a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) and later a Master of Laws (LL.M.) from the University of Nairobi. This rare combination of education and legal training would later become his strongest asset in union leadership, where understanding both policy and people is essential.
To crown his academic journey, Wesonga pursued and attained a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Education Administration and Planning from Maseno University. His doctoral research focused on institutional policy and education management—a discipline that directly feeds into his later advocacy for reforms within Kenya’s public universities.
Over the years, Dr. Wesonga has also earned several professional certifications and trainings related to labour relations, negotiation, and educational leadership, making him one of the most well-rounded academic union leaders in East Africa.
Career in Education
Dr. Wesonga began his professional career as a teacher in Kenyan secondary schools, including the renowned Maseno School, where he taught History and Religious Education. His classroom experience grounded him in the realities of the Kenyan education system, from inadequate resources to underappreciated educators. This experience laid the foundation for his later commitment to fighting for fair treatment and improved working conditions for teachers and lecturers alike.
He later transitioned into the university system, joining Maseno University as a lecturer. There, he quickly distinguished himself through both his scholarship and his keen interest in academic governance. His involvement in institutional decision-making processes and his vocal defense of lecturers’ rights soon brought him into contact with union activities, particularly through the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU).
Union Leadership and National Influence
In July 2021, Dr. Wesonga was elected Secretary-General of UASU, the umbrella union representing academic staff across all public universities in Kenya. His election came at a critical time when universities were grappling with funding shortages, delayed salaries, and unimplemented Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs).
Since taking office, Dr. Wesonga has been a consistent advocate for the timely implementation of CBAs and the release of salary arrears owed to lecturers. One of his most notable battles has been the demand for the government to release KSh 7.9 billion in pending university staff arrears from the 2017–2021 CBA. Under his leadership, UASU has maintained that phased payments are unacceptable, insisting on full compensation for all lecturers as stipulated in the agreement.
His firm yet strategic approach to union leadership has earned him respect even among government officials. He has consistently emphasized that improving the welfare of academic staff is not merely a matter of money but a matter of justice and quality education.
Dr. Wesonga’s leadership has also been marked by bold stands on education policy. He has publicly criticized government proposals to cut funding to public universities and the newly introduced “differentiated unit cost” funding model, which he argues disadvantages public institutions and threatens the quality of university education. He has led peaceful protests, issued press statements, and engaged Parliament and the Ministry of Education on policy reforms aimed at restoring the dignity and sustainability of higher learning institutions.
A Voice for Reform and Integrity
Beyond financial issues, Dr. Wesonga has championed broader reforms in the governance of universities. He has called for the depoliticization of university leadership appointments, better accountability of university councils, and improved autonomy for academic institutions. His emphasis on meritocracy, transparency, and inclusivity has positioned him as a reform-minded leader in Kenya’s education sector.
During the lecturers’ strike of 2025, Dr. Wesonga emerged as the face of the academic struggle—balancing negotiations with government officials while maintaining unity among academic staff. Even as political and economic factors complicated discussions, his calm and intellectual approach earned him both admiration and criticism. Supporters see him as a steadfast defender of the academic fraternity; detractors, however, accuse him of being too uncompromising. To both, he responds with his trademark humility: “Justice delayed is education denied.”
Current Role and Continuing Impact
Today, Dr. Wesonga remains a lecturer and researcher while continuing his role as UASU Secretary-General. He is actively involved in shaping the next 2025–2029 CBA, which seeks to address salary harmonization, research funding, and pension benefits for university lecturers. His vision for Kenya’s universities centers on restoring integrity, professionalism, and competitiveness to a sector often plagued by underfunding and policy inconsistency.
Colleagues describe him as articulate, principled, and deeply passionate about social justice. His ability to merge his academic background with legal and administrative knowledge has made him a formidable negotiator and an influential policy voice.
Legacy in Progress
Though his journey is far from over, Dr. Constantine Wesonga stands as a symbol of the modern scholar-activist—a man who believes that intellectual excellence must be matched with moral conviction. Through his leadership, the challenges and aspirations of Kenya’s academic community continue to find a strong and eloquent voice.
As the higher education sector navigates new realities of funding reforms and technological shifts, Dr. Wesonga’s role remains central in advocating for fair labour practices and sustainable academic growth. His story is not just about personal success—it is about resilience, intellectual courage, and the enduring quest to make education a pillar of national transformation.
