Efforts to end the lecturers’ strike in public universities suffered yet another blow after negotiations between the government and university staff unions collapsed on Friday.
The talks, held to resolve the Sh7.9 billion in salary arrears and other allowances, fell apart following sharp disagreements over the structure and timeline of payments.
Union officials accused the government side of sending representatives who lacked authority to make binding financial commitments.
They demanded the inclusion of senior officials from the National Treasury, Ministry of Education, and Ministry of Labour, saying only they could provide credible guarantees. Without them, the unions said, the meeting was merely “a public relations exercise” that would not resolve the crisis.
According to the unions, the government had suggested that they first verify the figures or adopt a formula before discussing the arrears, but this was dismissed outright.
The lecturers’ representatives insisted that such tactics were meant to buy time and avoid paying what had already been confirmed through previous audits and agreements.
Union leaders said the strike would continue until all dues under the 2017–2021 CBA are fully paid, pending clauses in the 2021–2025 CBA are implemented, and negotiations for the 2025–2029 agreement officially begin.
“We will not return to class on promises and delays,” one official said. “The government must show commitment by paying what it owes and ensuring future CBAs are respected.”
There was a brief moment of progress early in the meeting when both parties agreed that the total amount owed to university staff stood at Sh7.9 billion.
However, talks quickly broke down again after the government declined to specify how and when the money would be released. Union leaders said without clear timelines and signatures from authorized officials, they could not trust any new commitments.
“We are not going back to class or calling off the strike until the 2025–2029 CBA negotiations are fully completed, and the arrears are paid. So far we only agreed that employees of public universities are owed Sh7,944,519,929 as the 2017–2021 CBA arrears which they earlier were disputing. The unions have been vindicated — now that the government knows the figures, let them pay immediately. We are done with empty promises. Lecturers are not returning to class just to teach on hope,” said Dr Constantine Wasonga, Universities' Academic Staff Union (UASU) Secretary General.
“The strike is not about discovering numbers, we already knew the figure. It is about implementation and honouring judicial and contractual obligations,” Dr Wasonga said, adding that the lecturers have been patient for years while the government kept shifting goalposts.
“Let me be clear — we will remain on strike. Our lecturers have no mental capacity to return to class without money in their pockets. Inflation is high, the cost of living is unbearable. How do you expect someone who hasn't been paid what they're owed for years to teach effectively? The government must act now not with promises, but with payment,” he added.
The strike, which started on September 17 just after first-year students joined universities, has disrupted learning across campuses, leaving thousands of students in limbo.
Many institutions have suspended classes indefinitely as frustration grows among learners who are now considering going back home. Parents and guardians are also expressing concern that the prolonged impasse could derail the academic year and push back graduation dates.
Union officials have urged their members to remain firm, saying any partial payment or phased settlement would be unacceptable and would only delay justice for university staff.
