University lecturers in Kenya have commenced a nationwide strike, effective midnight, following the collapse of talks with the Inter-Public Universities Councils Consultative Forum (IPUCCF). The strike, led by the Universities' Academic Staff Union (UASU), Kenya University Staff Union (KUSU), and Kenya Union of Domestic, Hotels, Educational Institutions and Hospitals Allied (KUDHEIHA) workers, will paralyze teaching and learning activities in public universities across the country. The unions had been in negotiations with the IPUCCF over a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
The lecturers have rejected a 4% annual salary increment proposed by the IPUCCF, terming it a mockery. They are instead demanding the immediate implementation of the 2025-2029 CBA. The unions argue that the proposed increment does not address their concerns over pay and working conditions. The strike is expected to cause significant disruptions to academic activities in universities, affecting thousands of students.
The Kenya Union of Technical and Vocational Education Trainers (KUTVET) has also suspended its strike for 14 days, pending further negotiations with the Ministry of Education. KUTVET members had been on strike over issues including the rushed review of the curriculum in TVET institutions, reckless handling of national examinations, and arbitrary transfers and promotions. The union is also demanding an enhanced medical cover for its members.
According to the unions, the strike follows the failure by university councils, the Ministry of Education, and the Treasury to honour the Return-to-Work Formula signed on November 5, 2025. The unions are opposed to what they term as inadequate implementation of the agreement. The strike is a result of the frustration and disappointment felt by the lecturers and other education workers.
The strike is expected to have far-reaching consequences for the education sector in Kenya. With thousands of students set to be affected, there are concerns over the impact on the academic calendar and the overall quality of education. The government and university administrators are yet to comment on the strike and its implications.
KUTVET has warned that if its grievances are not addressed, its members will down their tools on October 19, 2026. The union is demanding immediate action to address its concerns over the handling of national examinations, transfers, and promotions, as well as medical cover. The Ministry of Education has not yet commented on the union's demands.
The nationwide strike by university lecturers and the suspended strike by KUTVET members highlight the challenges facing the education sector in Kenya. The unions are demanding better pay, working conditions, and implementation of agreements signed with the government and university administrators. The strike is a significant development in the sector, with implications for students, lecturers, and the broader education system.
Key points
- University lecturers in Kenya have begun a nationwide strike over pay after talks with the Inter-Public Universities Councils Consultative Forum (IPUCCF) collapsed.
- The strike, led by UASU, KUSU, and KUDHEIHA, will paralyze teaching and learning activities in public universities across the country.
- KUTVET has suspended its strike for 14 days, pending further negotiations with the Ministry of Education.
