Lecturers to protest in Nairobi as strike deepens

A rejected Sh12 billion counter-offer and stalled negotiations have set the stage for fresh demonstrations as university lecturers press for a binding deal.

The Universities Academic Staff Union (Uasu) will hold a street protest in Nairobi on Thursday as the lecturers’ strike enters its second week, with negotiations over a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) deadlocked.

The lecturers went on strike on October 2 after a seven-day strike notice expired, demanding the immediate negotiation, signing, registration and full implementation of the 2025–2029 CBA.

The union has rejected the government’s Sh12 billion counter-offer for partial payment, accusing the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) of giving misleading advice and frustrating negotiations.

Uasu is also demanding full payment of Sh7.9 billion in salary arrears accumulated under previous CBAs, including the 2017–2021 agreement.

The union wants the 2025–2029 CBA backed by a written financial commitment from the government and the National Treasury.

Source: The Star