University lecturers under the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) have officially ended their strike after reaching a deal with the government. The resolution comes after weeks of stalled learning across the country’s 35 public universities and constituent colleges, which left students, parents, and academic staff in limbo.
The government, through the Inter-Public Universities Councils Consultative Forum (IPUCCF), signed a return-to-work formula with UASU, committing to fully implement the 2021–2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). This agreement, valued at Ksh.9.7 billion, promises better pay and improved working conditions for university lecturers, marking a significant milestone in resolving disputes in the education sector.
Structured Implementation Plan
The implementation of the CBA will occur in three phases. The first tranche, amounting to Ksh.4.3 billion, will cover the period up to June 2025. The remaining amount of Ksh.5.4 billion will be disbursed in two instalments of Ksh.2.7 billion each in subsequent years. This phased approach ensures that the financial burden is manageable while fulfilling the government’s commitment to lecturers’ demands.
In addition to financial commitments, the agreement includes a clause for the withdrawal of all legal cases related to the strike. This step aims to foster unity and focus on rebuilding the academic calendar that was disrupted by the industrial action.
Strike’s Disruption and Resolution
The month-long strike, which began in October, paralyzed teaching and learning in public universities, throwing students into uncertainty over their academic progression. The prolonged standoff highlighted longstanding grievances over delayed implementation of CBAs and inadequate funding for higher education institutions.
With the strike now officially called off, UASU Secretary-General Constantine Wesonga assured stakeholders that lecturers are committed to recovering lost academic time. Speaking during the announcement, he said, “We will extend teaching hours during the daily schedule and over weekends to recover time lost during the industrial strike.”
Wesonga emphasized that the union values students’ success and will work collaboratively with university administrations to ensure the smooth continuation of learning.
Relief for Students and Parents
The resolution has brought a sense of relief to students and parents who were growing increasingly anxious about the strike’s impact on academic calendars. With the semester schedules thrown into disarray, many students had expressed fears about delays in graduations and examinations, while parents bore the brunt of prolonged financial pressures due to extended accommodation and living expenses for their children.
For some final-year students, the strike was particularly stressful as it interfered with crucial timelines for thesis submissions, research projects, and job application plans.
A Way Forward
The return-to-work agreement signals a renewed focus on improving the higher education sector in Kenya. Both the government and university lecturers have pledged to enhance dialogue to avoid future disruptions.
Education experts have welcomed the resolution, but they warn that sustainable solutions are needed to address systemic issues in university funding. The phased disbursement of the CBA funds, while commendable, highlights the delicate balancing act required to ensure public universities operate effectively without jeopardizing the government’s fiscal responsibilities.
In a statement, UASU urged the government to prioritize higher education in its budgetary allocations, citing the critical role universities play in driving innovation and economic development.
Commitment to Academic Recovery
While the strike has ended, the focus now shifts to recovering lost time. Many universities are expected to revise their academic calendars, extending teaching hours and incorporating weekend classes to ensure students catch up on missed lessons.
Students, lecturers, and university administrations will need to work collaboratively to ensure the transition back to normalcy is smooth and productive. Despite the challenges, the end of the strike offers a fresh opportunity to rebuild trust and strengthen Kenya’s higher education system.
This resolution underscores the importance of dialogue and commitment in resolving disputes, providing hope for a more stable academic environment moving forward.
