Lecturers from public universities staged a peaceful demonstration in Nairobi on Wednesday to urge the government to meet their demands as their strike entered its fourth week.
The dons gathered at the Chancellor’s Square at the University of Nairobi before marching to Parliament Buildings, Treasury, and finally the Ministry of Education offices at Jogoo House.
The lecturers, chanting and singing, called for the release of funds owed to them under the 2017–2021 Collective Bargaining Agreement.
The demonstration was organised by officials of the University Academic Staff Union (UASU) and the Kenya University Staff Union (KUSU), who reiterated their demand for full implementation of the court-ordered payment and the commencement of negotiations for the 2025–2029 CBA.
The unions maintain that lecturers will not resume work until the government releases the remaining Sh7.9 billion they claim is owed under the previous CBA.
“We already know what tomorrow’s outcome will be. We will table our audit, take tea, and return, because this strike will not end until Sh7.1 billion hits our accounts,” said UASU Secretary-General Constantine Wesonga, referring to an upcoming meeting in Machakos between the unions and government officials.
UASU National Chairperson Grace Nyongesa said lecturers would not return to class until the dispute is fully resolved, noting that the ongoing industrial action has left students idle across the country’s 42 public universities.
“We are marching for victory today. On the 2017–2021 CBA, our demand is clear: we want the full Sh7.9 billion implemented. Four years down the line, its value has already depreciated,” Wesonga said, adding that lecturers were also seeking improved working conditions and professional recognition.
KUSU Secretary-General Charles Mukhwaya criticised the handling of negotiations, saying the unions would continue pressing for the full implementation of the CBA.
“Today, we want to tell the Ministry of Education, Parliament, and the Treasury that the CBA is our business,” Mukhwaya said.
The unions have acknowledged that the government recently released Sh2.73 billion, but insist that they will not resume duty until the full amount is paid and new negotiations begin.
“They had committed to harmonising our allowances, but now they are suggesting a reduction instead. Unfortunately, we are headed for a prolonged strike,” Wesonga said.
At Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), lecturers also held a peaceful gathering at the graduation square. UASU JKUAT Chapter Secretary-General Prof. Shadrack Muya said members would remain on strike until their dues are paid.
The ongoing strike, now nearing a month, has disrupted academic calendars across public universities.
Last year, lecturers also downed tools around the same period, leading to adjustments in the academic calendar, with the first semester extending into January.
