University staff under the umbrella of the University Academic Staff Union (UASU) and the Kenya Universities Staff Union (KUSU) launched a nationwide strike in September 2024, driven by unmet demands surrounding the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). The core grievances include stagnant wages, delayed statutory deductions, and inadequate medical coverage. Both unions have been pressing for a 7-10% salary increment and better health benefits.
The strike officially commenced on September 11, 2024, following multiple unproductive meetings with key government stakeholders, including the Ministry of Education and the National Treasury. Over ten negotiation attempts have failed, with unions lamenting the government’s slow response, despite their demands being tabled as early as 2020.
In response, the Inter-Public Universities’ Councils Consultative Forum (IPUCCF) sought legal intervention. Justice Jacob Gakeri of the Employment and Labour Court issued temporary orders suspending the strike and instructed all parties to return to the negotiating table. The next mention of the case is scheduled for October 2, 2024. While the court’s ruling has temporarily paused the industrial action, union leaders remain vocal about the lack of tangible outcomes.
UASU Secretary General Constantine Wasonga expressed frustration with the stalled talks, stating, “We don’t eat promises or promissory notes. If they come with promises, we’ll reject them. We want something tangible.” Similarly, KUSU Secretary General Charles Mukhwaya criticized the continued neglect of university staff, noting that workers would not continue under the same conditions without significant improvement
