The Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) has announced a nationwide strike starting today, October 29, 2024.
This decision follows a breakdown in negotiations with the government over salary increments and the implementation of the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
UASU Secretary General Constantine Wasonga instructed lecturers in all public universities to cease all teaching, marking, and examination invigilation activities until the government fulfills its commitment to the agreed-upon pay increment.
“Just work today up to midnight, after one minute, down your tools. Let there be no physical teaching, no online teaching, no marking and no invigilation until money hits your accounts, “ Wesonga said after chairing a national executive council meeting at the union headquarters in Nairobi.
UASU’s action will affect operations at 35 public universities and three constituent colleges across Kenya. The main point of contention is the unions’ demand for a 7-10% salary increase, along with an automatic annual increment of 4% for the two-year CBA cycle
UASU and KUSU) are accusing the government of negligence and unfulfilled commitments. To address the situation, the government has established an inter-ministerial committee with representatives from key institutions, including the Ministry of Labour, Ministry of Education, National Treasury, and the Salaries and Remuneration Commission.
