Defiant Lecturers Dig In: UASU Rejects Gov’t Phased Offer, Demands Full Ksh.7.9B Payout Now

Kenya’s ongoing public university lecturers’ strike has taken a fresh twist after the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) flatly rejected the government’s offer to release Ksh.7.9 billion in arrears through phased payments, insisting on an immediate lump-sum settlement.

Addressing journalists in Nairobi on Friday, UASU Secretary General Constantine Wesonga maintained that the union would not suspend the strike until all pending payments are cleared in full. His message was firm the government must honor its past commitments without delay.

“The lecturers have been patient for far too long,” Wesonga declared. “We don’t teach students in phases, and our bills don’t wait in phases. The arrears must be paid at once not in bits.”

The strike, now entering its 46th day, has crippled learning in public universities across the country. Thousands of students remain stranded, with academic calendars disrupted and graduation timelines thrown into uncertainty.

Union Accuses Government of Broken Promises

The UASU leadership accused the government of repeatedly breaching agreements made during previous negotiations. According to the union, this pattern of half-commitments has eroded trust between the teaching staff and state officials.

“The government signs documents, then conveniently forgets what was agreed,” Wesonga charged. “This time, lecturers are ready to go the long haul. We are not relenting until the Ksh.7.9 billion is fully paid. This strike will not drag to 2030 we are finishing it this year.”

The government, through the Ministry of Education, had proposed to pay the arrears in two installments, urging lecturers to return to work as discussions continued. However, the unions dismissed the offer, describing it as a “bait” meant to delay meaningful action.

Union’s Three Firm Resolutions

Wesonga outlined three key resolutions ratified by the union’s National Executive Committee (NEC) and National Delegates Council (NDC).

1. Immediate Full Payment: The Ksh.7.9 billion arrears must be released in one tranche.
2. New CBA Implementation: The 2025–2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) must be negotiated, signed, registered, and implemented in full.
3. Continued Strike: All public universities and constituent colleges will remain closed until these two conditions are met.

“These resolutions were not mine they are the voice of our members across all campuses,” Wesonga emphasized. “We have been neglected for years, and this time, we are speaking with one voice.”

Impact on Students and the Academic Calendar

The prolonged standoff has left students anxious and frustrated. Many institutions have suspended examinations, while others have halted ongoing research and postgraduate supervision.
Student leaders have expressed concern that the stalemate may lead to the loss of an entire academic year if not resolved urgently.

“This strike is hurting students most,” said a student representative from the University of Nairobi. “We understand our lecturers’ grievances, but the government needs to move faster. We can’t keep sitting at home for decisions that should have been made years ago.”

Government Appeals for Dialogue

Education Cabinet Secretary Migos Ogamba has urged patience, saying the ministry is still reviewing the financial implications of the lecturers’ demands.
Ogamba insisted that the government has not refused to pay but wants to ensure sustainability in disbursing the funds.

“Our learners are suffering because of a misunderstanding on the amount to be paid,” Ogamba told reporters in Nyamira County. “The government is ready to engage further, but the lecturers must show goodwill and return to class as we finalize the modalities.”

Earlier in October, the government had tabled a Ksh.3.5 billion proposal, which the union swiftly dismissed, terming it “an insult to the profession.” The latest offer to increase the payout to Ksh.7.9 billion albeit in phases appears to have done little to restore trust.

Historical Context and Financial Tensions

The dispute traces back to a 2017 agreement that promised salary reviews and arrears adjustments for public university staff. Over the years, implementation has been slow and uneven, leading to repeated strikes and strained relations between the union and the government.

Analysts warn that the recurring standoffs are not just about money, but about respect and recognition of academic labor.
Public universities have also been struggling financially due to reduced government funding, rising operational costs, and dwindling enrollment numbers following changes in the higher education funding model.

The Road Ahead

For now, there appears to be no end in sight. Both parties remain entrenched the government citing budgetary limitations and the union demanding full compliance.
Negotiations have stalled, and the academic sector remains in limbo.

Observers argue that the government’s best move would be to initiate mediated talks involving neutral stakeholders such as the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) or the Parliamentary Education Committee to prevent further damage to the country’s higher learning institutions.

As the stalemate deepens, students and parents can only hope that reason prevails before the situation escalates further. For lecturers, however, the message remains consistent no lecture will resume until every shilling is paid.

“We are tired of empty promises,” Wesonga concluded. “This time, we want action not talk.”