Lectures, examinations and research at the University of Nairobi (UoN) resume today, ending a month-long standoff that disrupted learning across Kenya’s public universities.
The university announced the resumption in a notice to all staff and students dated Monday, signed by Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Prof. John D. Mande.
“Teaching, learning, examinations, research and other functions will resume on Monday 2nd November, 2026,” the notice said.
The Universities’ Academic Staff Union (UASU) led the industrial action alongside the Kenya Universities Staff Union (KUSU) and the Kenya Union of Domestic, Hotels, Educational Institutions, Hospitals and Allied Workers (KUDHEIHA).
The unions issued a seven-day strike notice on September 28 and 30, citing unresolved grievances over Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) and related arrears. The strike began on October 2, affecting operations in all public universities and their constituent colleges.
The unions called off the strike on Friday, October 30, after signing a Return-to-Work Formula (RTWF) with the government. The notice did not disclose the terms of the agreement.
Students have been asked to clear any pending fees and attend lectures “without fail.” The university did not say how it will make up for lost teaching time or reschedule examinations disrupted by the strike.
The notice was copied to the Vice-Chancellor, deputy vice-chancellors, principals of Koitaleel Samoei and Nyandarua University Colleges, deans, registrars, department chairpersons, the Director of ICT, the Director of Finance and faculty accountants.
The announcement is expected to bring relief to thousands of students whose studies stalled during the strike, and to staff who had downed tools over pay and benefits disputes.
