Nationwide Strike Disrupts Lectures in Public Universities.
Lectures in public universities across Kenya have been disrupted following a strike initiated by the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) and the Kenya Universities Staff Union (KUSU) on Wednesday, September 18.
The unions are protesting the government’s alleged failure to implement the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
Unions’ Demands
The unions are demanding action on several key issues:
- Alleged discriminatory medical cover
- Annual salary increments
- Staff promotions
- Proper staff placement
- Improved working conditions
According to UASU Secretary General Constantine Wasonga, union members are ready to negotiate but will not return to work until an agreement is reached. He indicated that the 2021-2025 CBA must be signed, warning that failure to do so would have severe consequences.
Failed Negotiations
The strike comes after the unions announced their plans the previous week, with government efforts to resolve the matter through negotiations ending in deadlock. Wasonga expressed disappointment, describing the outcome as “disheartening.”
KUSU Secretary General Charles Mukhwaya reinforced the unions’ determination, stating that they would not end the strike without a fair deal. He emphasized that, if no funds are available, the strike will continue until a satisfactory resolution is reached. Mukhwaya insisted that empty promises are unacceptable, noting that the unions seek tangible outcomes, even if it takes years.
Impact on Public Universities
This strike closely follows one led by university students, which ended a week prior after government intervention. With the academic staff now on strike, learning is expected to be disrupted in 35 public universities across the country.
Nationwide Strike Disrupts Lectures in Public Universities.
