University lecturers have called off their nationwide strike following a Sh20 billion agreement with the government to implement the 2025–2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
The Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU), Kenya Universities Staff Union (KUSU), and KUDHEIHA signed a return-to-work agreement with the government on Friday, October 30, ending an industrial action that had disrupted learning in public universities since October 2.
Under the agreement, the government will disburse Sh20 billion over three financial years, beginning with Sh6.7 billion in 2026/2027, another Sh6.7 billion in 2027/2028, and the remaining Sh6.6 billion in 2028/2029.
The deal provides for a 3.5 per cent annual increase in basic salaries over four years, alongside automatic annual salary increments of five per cent and adjustments to several staff allowances.
UASU Secretary-General Dr Constantine Wasonga confirmed the end of the strike, apologizing to students for the disruption and urging them to prepare for the resumption of lectures on Monday, November 2.
The agreement also provides protection against victimization for lecturers who participated in the industrial action, including the withdrawal of disciplinary proceedings initiated during the strike.
University management is expected to work with staff and students to develop revised academic calendars and recover lost learning time.
The strike had disrupted teaching, research, and other academic activities across public universities, leaving thousands of students uncertain about their academic programs and graduation timelines.
