By David Ochieng, Kisasa News
The nearly two-month lecturers’ strike that brought learning to a standstill across Kenya’s public universities has officially been called off, following a breakthrough agreement between the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) and the government.UASU leadership on Wednesday issued a directive to all lecturers to return to lecture halls immediately, restoring academic activities that had been stalled since September 17, 2025.-
–Why the Strike Started
Lecturers downed their tools citing:Failure to implement the 2021–2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA)Delay in paying salary arrears amounting to approximately KSh 7.9 billionLack of clarity on job evaluation and academic staff promotionsDuring the deadlock, thousands of university students were stranded in hostels and at home, as institutions issued repeated notices urging the government and union to resolve the dispute.
—The Breakthrough
After weeks of negotiations involving the Ministry of Education, the National Treasury, and university councils, the government agreed to:Pay the KSh 7.9 billion arrears in instalments, beginning immediatelyFully implement the 2021–2025 CBAEstablish a structured roadmap for future promotional and salary adjustmentsIn a statement, the UASU Secretary-General confirmed that the union had reached a “workable commitment” with the government.> “We have listened to the concerns of all stakeholders. Lecturers will return to class as the government honours its pledges,” UASU leadership said.
—Universities to Revise Academic Calendar
The Ministry of Education has instructed universities to adjust and compress their academic calendars to recover lost time. Some institutions are expected to introduce weekend or evening classes, while others may shorten mid-semester breaks.Vice Chancellors are expected to release revised timetables within a week.-
–Students and Parents React
Many students expressed relief, having endured weeks of uncertainty.> “We just want to graduate on time. The constant disruptions are affecting our mental health and future plans,” said a third-year student at the University of Nairobi.
Parents and guardians also welcomed the decision and called on both parties to avoid future disruptions that compromise academic progress.-
–What’s Next?
Although lecturers have resumed duty, UASU says it will monitor government compliance with the agreement. The union warned that failure to honour payment timelines could trigger a renewed industrial action.
For now, lecture halls are reopening and institutions are preparing for an intensive catch-up phase.
