Union leadership signals possible end to nationwide university shutdown amid new budget assurances
The prolonged lecturers’ strike that has paralysed learning in public universities could soon come to an end after the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) hinted at reviewing its position following renewed talks with the government.
UASU National Secretary-General Constantine Wasonga on Tuesday, November 4, signalled a possible breakthrough after appearing before the Parliamentary Committee on Education, chaired by Tinderet MP Julius Melly. The meeting also involved officials from the Ministry of Education and the National Treasury.
“For the sake of the children and students of this country, we are going to convene the organs of the union so that we can reconsider,” said Wasonga. “You could tell from the way lecturers came out to strike — these are people who could have stayed out until January. But because of your engagement and understanding, I will plead with our members to reconsider.”
Union Pushes for Fairness and Respect
Wasonga noted that lecturers were frustrated and demoralised by the government’s failure to honour past agreements, but expressed cautious optimism after the latest engagements. He urged the Inter-Public Universities Councils Consultative Forum (IPUCCF) to overhaul its management of university staff, saying the current system lacked motivation and fairness.
“The IPUCCF should reconsider how it manages university staff. A study should be conducted on job satisfaction needs in public universities. The way IPUCCF manages university staff is perfunctory,” he said.
Wasonga also dismissed the 80-20 pay proposal, under which the government plans to release 80 percent of the allocated KSh 7 billion immediately and defer the remaining 20 percent to the 2026–2027 financial year.
“The worst part is the 80-20 proposal — giving us 80 percent and retaining 20 percent. That KSh 2 billion delay is not acceptable,” he asserted. “Our irreducible minimum is fairness and respect.”
UASU Warns Against Overstretching Future Budgets
The UASU boss warned that existing financial commitments — including KSh 2.37 billion under the 2021–2025 CBA maturing next July and another KSh 2.73 billion due in 2026–2027 — could strain the education sector’s budget if not properly managed.
“With these commitments, we don’t want to clog the 2026–2027 financial year with more promises,” he cautioned, noting that the government must avoid repeating past delays in fulfilling lecturers’ dues.
Wasonga reiterated that the union’s decision-making organs had rejected a 50-50 pay proposal, insisting that lecturers would remain on strike until a comprehensive agreement on the 2025–2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) is reached.
“The organs of the union have rejected the 50-50 proposal, and I cannot promise they’ll accept it. They voted against it,” he stated.
Government Defends Payment Plan
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba defended the government’s proposal to stagger payments, citing the timing of the budget cycle.
“This figure was agreed upon after the 2025–2026 budget had already been concluded. We’re proposing to pay KSh 3.85 billion through a supplementary budget and settle the balance in the next fiscal year,” said Ogamba.
He assured lawmakers that the ministry had reviewed the numbers and found the plan viable. “We’ve done the math, and we’re comfortable that we’ll meet the KSh 3.85 billion and KSh 2.73 billion obligations within the 2026–2027 financial year.”
A Glimmer of Hope for Students
Wasonga, however, maintained that UASU wanted a lasting solution to prevent future disruptions. “The lecturers don’t want another strike until 2030. This one — tunamalizana this year,” he remarked, hinting at a possible truce before year’s end.
If UASU’s organs agree to suspend the strike, thousands of university students who have been out of class for weeks could resume learning as early as mid-November.
For now, all eyes remain on the union’s National Executive Council (NEC) and National Delegates Council (NDC) meetings, where the fate of the lecturers’ strike — and the reopening of Kenya’s public universities — will be sealed.
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