University Lecturers Begin Nationwide Strike Over pay Dispute

University lecturers across Kenya have begun a nationwide strike after negotiations between their unions and the Inter-Public Universities Councils Consultative Forum (IPUCCF) failed to reach an agreement on salaries and the implementation of the 2025–2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

The strike, which began on October 2, 2026, involves members of the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU), Kenya University Staff Union (KUSU) and KUDHEIHA. The unions rejected a proposed four per cent annual salary increment, saying it did not adequately address the rising cost of living. 

The unions are also demanding the immediate implementation of the 2025–2029 CBA, which has remained unresolved despite earlier negotiations between the government and university staff representatives.

UASU Secretary-General Constantine Wasonga said the union had exhausted available avenues of negotiation before proceeding with the strike. The union has also raised concerns over delayed salaries, allowances and other employment benefits. 

Among the demands contained in the proposed CBA are improved salaries and housing and commuter allowances, as well as provisions on car loans, mortgages and research funding. 

The industrial action is expected to disrupt teaching and learning in public universities as students continue with the 2026/2027 academic year. Government officials and university councils may now face renewed pressure to reach an agreement with the unions and restore normal operations.