University lecturers and the government have reached a Sh20 billion deal to settle salary and allowance disputes under the 2025–2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), raising hopes of an end to the ongoing strike in public universities.
Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) Secretary-General Constantine Wasonga said the parties are expected to sign a return-to-work formula on Friday, October 30, paving the way for learning to resume on Monday, November 2.
According to a Ministry of Education official, the Sh20 billion settlement will be paid in three phases, although the specific timelines and implementation details are yet to be outlined.
The agreement follows weeks of negotiations over the implementation of the 2025–2029 CBA, with lecturers insisting on the settlement of their salary and allowance demands.
The strike, which began on October 2 after negotiations stalled, has disrupted lectures, examinations and other academic activities, leaving thousands of students uncertain about the resumption of normal university operations.
The industrial action came despite an earlier return-to-work agreement signed in November 2025, which was intended to facilitate negotiations and accelerate the conclusion of the CBA. However, the failure to reach a lasting settlement led to renewed unrest.
The dispute has also brought renewed attention to funding challenges in public universities, with staff unions raising concerns over salary arrears, promotions, medical cover, allowances and staffing levels.
Besides UASU, the Kenya Universities Staff Union (KUSU) and the Kenya Union of Domestic, Hotels, Educational Institutions, Hospitals and Allied Workers (KUDHEIHA) have previously raised concerns over employment terms and the welfare of university staff.
The proposed deal is expected to provide a path towards restoring normal academic activities, although its implementation will depend on the formal signing of the return-to-work formula and the communication of the agreed terms to union members.
