The already strained public university sector in Kenya has been thrust into further chaos following a strike that has paralyzed learning in all 35 public universities across the country. Lecturers and staff under the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) and the Kenya Universities Staff Union (KUSU) downed their tools on Wednesday in protest over delays in the implementation of the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
This industrial action follows years of growing tension, as university employees have grown increasingly frustrated with the government’s inaction on their CBA, which was first tabled in 2020. Despite repeated negotiations, UASU Secretary General Constantine Wasonga revealed that the government had failed to provide any tangible counterproposal until 2023, and even then, it was a “nil-offer.” The unions argue that this delay has left their members vulnerable to the rising cost of living without any salary adjustment since the last negotiated agreement.
Wasonga, leading the strike from the Technical University of Kenya, expressed the deep frustration felt by union members, stating, “We are ready for talks but we will strike until we strike a deal.” His remarks reflect the unions’ resolve to stand firm until a favorable outcome is reached, even as they remain open to continued negotiations with the government.
A Protracted Standoff
At the heart of the dispute is the delayed implementation of the CBA, which was expected to improve the salaries and working conditions for academic and non-academic staff in public universities. According to Wasonga, the unions have been waiting for three years to negotiate this deal, with little progress made. KUSU Secretary General Charles Mukhwaya added that despite tabling their proposal in September 2020, the government only issued a response three years later, and it was a non-starter.
“There was no counter-proposal until 2023. Even that was a nil-offer,” Mukhwaya stated, underscoring the union’s frustration. He emphasized that while other public sector employees have recently been granted a 7-10% salary increment, university staff have been left behind. “We want the seven to 10 per cent other public sector employees were given,” Wasonga added, calling for the same treatment as other government workers.
Constitutionally Sanctioned Strike
The unions have taken advantage of Article 41 of the Kenyan Constitution, which protects the right to industrial action. Wasonga was unambiguous in his message, asserting that university employees are fully justified in their decision to strike, especially given the government’s repeated delays. He even went as far as calling for the resignation of those responsible for dragging out the negotiations.
“If from September 4, 2020, you did not know what you’re doing, you better resign,” he remarked, pointing to the prolonged delay in implementing the agreement as evidence of government inaction. Wasonga’s statements reflect a growing sense of disillusionment within the academic workforce, many of whom have borne the brunt of financial instability due to stagnant wages in an inflationary economy.
Impact on Learning
The strike has had immediate and widespread consequences. With learning brought to a standstill, thousands of university students have been left in limbo, with many worrying about the potential for long-term disruptions to their education. The timing of the strike, coming at the start of a new academic year, compounds the impact, as new students entering the system face uncertainty about their studies.
The unions have planned a “mega-demonstration” in Nairobi on Monday, signaling their intent to escalate the strike if their demands continue to be ignored. This demonstration could further pressure the government to act, though there are fears that the standoff could drag on without a clear resolution in sight.
Broader Implications
The public university sector in Kenya has long been plagued by underfunding, poor working conditions, and strained labor relations. The current strike highlights these systemic issues and raises important questions about the future of public higher education in the country. For years, universities have struggled to provide adequate resources to students and staff alike, and the failure to implement the 2021-2025 CBA is seen as symptomatic of a deeper malaise affecting the entire system.
Without a resolution, the strike is likely to exacerbate an already precarious situation, with both students and staff facing prolonged instability. As Wasonga and Mukhwaya lead the charge for better working conditions, the pressure is now firmly on the government to find a solution to avoid further disruptions in one of Kenya’s most vital sectors.
The coming days will be critical as both sides seek to negotiate a way forward, but with union members resolved to stay on strike until their demands are met, the standoff could very well deepen before it improves.
