University of Nairobi Refutes Fake Closure Notice as Lecturers Begin Nationwide Strike

The University of Nairobi has dismissed a memo circulating online, claiming the institution would shut down on October 2. The university declared the memo, dated September 30, as fake and urged staff and students to disregard it. According to the alleged memo, students were told to await further guidance. The notice coincides with the start of a nationwide lecturers' strike declared by the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) Secretary-General Constantine Wasonga.

The nationwide lecturers' strike began on October 2, with UASU's Kenyatta University Chapter Chair Stephen Monanda instructing lecturers not to hold classes at the main gate of the university. Monanda urged parents to keep students occupied in libraries. The strike has already spread to several universities, including Laikipia University, Bomet University, Chuka University, and Egerton University's Nakuru campus. The industrial action follows the rejection of a counter-offer from the Inter-Public Universities Councils Consultative Forum.

The Unions, including KUSU, KUDHEIHA, and UASU, rejected the counter-offer on salaries, allowances, medical benefits, and staffing levels. This prompted the start of the strike. UASU also opposed a proposed Ksh9.76 billion allocation for the 2025-2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement, arguing it fell short of addressing key negotiation points. The union had issued a seven-day strike notice on September 24.

A UASU official in Nakuru highlighted concerns over the delayed implementation of collective bargaining terms. The official called for a centralized salary funding model directly from the Exchequer. The strike has now disrupted teaching and other academic activities in public universities. Students and staff are feeling the effects of the industrial action.

The University of Nairobi has reassured its students and staff that the institution remains open. The university's administration urged everyone to continue with their normal activities. Despite this, the strike is expected to have a significant impact on the academic calendar. The situation remains uncertain, with no indication of when the strike will end.

The strike has affected several universities across Kenya, with students and staff facing uncertainty. The industrial action has disrupted the academic calendar, and there is a risk of the situation escalating. The Unions are firm on their demands, and the employer has not made significant concessions.

The Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) has vowed to continue with the strike until their demands are met. The union is pushing for improved salaries, allowances, and working conditions. The strike has now entered its first week, with no signs of a resolution.

Key points

• University of Nairobi denies fake closure notice amid nationwide lecturers' strike over 2025-2029 CBA.
• Lecturers across Kenya start nationwide strike over rejected counter-offer on salaries and benefits.
• Strike disrupts teaching and academic activities in public universities.