The Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) has officially ended its nationwide strike, bringing relief to thousands of students and parents after over two months of disrupted university operations. The decision, announced on Saturday, November 23, follows the government’s commitment to fully implement the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) valued at Ksh9.76 billion.
Key Details of the Agreement
The agreement outlines a phased payment plan:
The National Treasury will immediately release Ksh4.3 billion for the 2024/2025 financial year under Supplementary Estimates II.
The remaining Ksh5.46 billion will be paid in two installments:
Half in the 2025/2026 financial year.
The rest in the 2026/2027 financial year.
UASU Secretary General Constantine Wasonga confirmed the union’s acceptance of the initial amount, provided the government formalizes a timeline for the balance. He emphasized the union's readiness to recover lost time, signaling a return to normal academic activities.
Stakeholder Contributions
The resolution was reached after extensive negotiations involving UASU, the Inter-Public Universities Council Consultative Forum (IPUCCF), the Inter-Ministerial Committee, and the National Assembly’s Education Committee.
Key voices in the discussions included:
Tinderet MP Julius Melly, who highlighted the urgency of restoring normalcy to allow students to graduate.
Nyamira MP Jerusha Momanyi, who pushed for a government guarantee to honor future payments, citing the importance of compromise to stabilize the education sector.
Impact of the Strike
The strike, which began on September 18, severely disrupted academic calendars, forcing universities to close and send students home. Graduations and examinations were delayed, causing widespread frustration among students and parents.
What’s Next?
With the lecturers back to work, attention now shifts to implementing the agreement and rebuilding trust among stakeholders. The government’s ability to meet its financial obligations in the coming years will be critical in avoiding similar disruptions.
The strike’s resolution marks a significant step toward restoring stability in Kenya’s higher education system, but it also underscores the need for proactive measures to address labor disputes in the future.
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