University unions call off nationwide strike after Sh20 billion deal

University unions call off nationwide strike after Sh20 billion deal - Higher Education PS Beatrice Inyangala and Dr. Constantine Wasonga, alongside other university union leaders, on October 30, 2026. (Photo: Beatrice Inyangala/X)

The Sh20 billion package will be disbursed in three tranches: Sh6.7 billion in the 2026/2027 financial year, Sh6.7 billion in 2027/2028 and Sh6.6 billion in 2028/2029.

University students can finally look forward to returning to lecture halls after university staff unions officially called off their four-week nationwide strike following a Sh20 billion agreement with the government to implement the 2025–2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

The Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU), Kenya Universities Staff Union (KUSU) and KUDHEIHA signed a return-to-work formula with the government on Friday, October 30, ending the industrial action that began on October 2 and disrupted teaching, learning and research in public universities.

The agreement, signed in the presence of Principal Secretary for Higher Education Dr Beatrice Muganda Inyangala, provides for a 3.5 per cent annual increase in basic salaries over four years, effective July 5, 2025, and a five per cent annual increase in automatic salary increments.

The Sh20 billion package will be disbursed in three tranches: Sh6.7 billion in the 2026/2027 financial year, Sh6.7 billion in 2027/2028 and Sh6.6 billion in 2028/2029.

Staff will also benefit from improved allowances, including the harmonisation of monthly commuter allowances to Sh18,000 from Sh3,500 for employees in the lowest cadre.

Speaking after the signing of the return-to-work formula on Friday, UASU Secretary-General Dr Constantine Wasonga said the agreement also safeguards employees against victimisation for participating in the strike.

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The union said it will withdraw all disciplinary action initiated against employees during the industrial action, and contract employees will not have their contract renewals prejudiced.

He apologised to students for the disruption caused by the strike and urged them to prepare to return to university on Monday, assuring them that lecturers would resume teaching.

"We want to apologise to students. Kindly bear with us. From Monday, the lecture halls will be full of lecturers. And we want you to learn and complete your degrees," said Wasonga.

"We have now achieved the objectives of our strike. The strike is over. Prepare to go to class," he added.

Inyangala welcomed the agreement, describing it as a significant milestone in improving university staff welfare and restoring industrial harmony in public universities.

She said university management would work with staff and students to develop revised academic schedules and recover lost learning time.

"With the dispute now resolved, all university staff are expected to resume their duties immediately to facilitate the restoration of academic activities," she said.

The strike, which began on October 2, disrupted teaching, learning and research across public universities.