Public University Strike Continues Amidst Rising Tensions Between UASU and University Administration
By Shadrack Nyakoe
The national strike across Kenya’s public universities, led by the University Academic Staff Union (UASU), continues unabated as tensions rise over the unresolved demands for improved collective bargaining agreements and unmet promises.
UASU initiated the industrial action on 29th October 2024, following a seven-day notice issued by the National Secretary General, after what union leaders describe as “repeated failures” by university councils and the government to honor previously signed agreements.
The primary aim of the strike is to push for the negotiation, registration, and implementation of the 2021/25 National Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), a deal that UASU leaders argue is crucial for improving conditions for academic staff.
The union cites delays in finalizing CBAs, including a specific Chapter Collective Agreement for the University of Nairobi (UoN) for 2017/21, which they believe would set the stage for the current CBA cycle.
A key trigger for the strike was the alleged non-compliance with a Return-to-Work Formula agreed upon by the Inter Public Universities Councils Consultative Forum (IPUCCF), the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, and the Ministry of Education on 26th September 2024. UASU claims that despite the signed agreement, public universities have failed to implement promised improvements, leaving academic staff with little choice but to strike.
In a recent update to union members, UASU’s University of Nairobi Chapter Secretary, Dr. Maloba Wekesa, responded strongly to a memo from the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs (DVC AA), which warned lecturers about the strike’s repercussions.
Dr. Wekesa emphasized that the DVC AA does not have supervisory powers over academic staff, labeling the memo as both “misinformed” and “intimidatory.”
He also criticized the inclusion of students in the memo, calling it an “unfair attempt to pressure students into accepting government inaction” and further exacerbating an already strained academic environment.
UASU leaders have assured members that the strike will not cease until their demands are met, reaffirming their resolve with the statement: “The strike goes on unabated!”
They have underscored their commitment to solidarity and have called on members to continue the industrial action until a fair and just agreement is reached.
The strike has significantly disrupted learning in public universities, with students left in limbo as the union and government remain at an impasse.
UASU’s demands include the swift implementation of the collective bargaining agreements and concrete commitments to improve working conditions for university staff across Kenya.
As the situation stands, the union remains firm, stating it will not be swayed by intimidation tactics and will not back down until a sustainable solution is achieved.
