The Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) has issued a 7-day strike notice to the government, citing failure to honor negotiated and registered Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs). Speaking on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, UASU Secretary General Dr. Constantine Wasonga declared that university lecturers will withdraw their services in all public universities if the issues are not resolved within the notice period.
CBA arrears have accumulated to Ksh.3.27 billion. This is one of the CBAs that have not been honoured. The court had issued a directive for more funds to be allocated to cater for the CBAs, but the government has not yet complied
Dr. Wasonga41 Public Universities to Join Strike
According to the official notice, 41 public universities have signed in support of the strike, with action set to commence on Wednesday, September 17, 2025. UASU emphasized that lecturers had expected the CBA payments to be released before the September term began, but no progress has been made. Additionally, UASU is demanding the initiation of negotiations for the 2025/2026 CBA, noting that other sectors within education have already concluded theirs and are enjoying the benefits. Dr. Wasonga noted that the ministry of Education has been playing PR, making false promises of they are going to pay and nothing has been done. Therefore the lectures are going to respond in the same way by going back to the streets.
Moi University Case Offers a Glimmer of Hope
The UASU strike notice comes just a day after Moi University lecturers called off their industrial action following successful negotiations with the university council.On Tuesday, 9th 2025, UASU Moi University branch Secretary General, Dr. Busolo Wekesa, confirmed that both parties had agreed to resolve grievances on an issue-by-issue basis.
As part of the resolution, the university council withdrew redundancy letters that had been previously issued to staff members—one of the key sticking points in the dispute.
Government’s Role and Response
In January 2025, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba inaugurated a new university council for Moi University, in an effort to restore governance and stability after a long period of mismanagement.
Ogamba said the decision to disband the old council was necessary due to poor leadership that had led to institutional decline. He expressed optimism that the new team would restore “the lost glory” of Moi University.
What’s Next?
As the September 17 strike deadline approaches, pressure mounts on the Ministry of Education and the Treasury to act swiftly and prevent another academic disruption in the public university sector. UASU insists that the strike will continue indefinitely until all their demands, including payment of arrears and fresh CBA negotiations are fully met.
Conclusion
The strike notice has reignited long-standing concerns about government commitment to higher education, with staff welfare, timely funding, and accountability once again taking center stage. As history has shown, delays in addressing these matters only widen the gap between stakeholders and compromise the academic calendar.
