Statement by Constantine Wesonga, Secretary-General of UASU

lectures strike 2025 – lectures strike –

Fellow lecturers, students, and stakeholders in higher education,

The Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) wishes to reaffirm its unwavering commitment to the ongoing industrial action. The government has consistently failed to honour its obligations under the 2017–2021 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). Despite repeated engagements, no meaningful progress has been made toward resolving the key issues affecting our members.

We reiterate our demand for the full payment of KSh 7.9 billion in arrears owed to university lecturers across public institutions. The government’s counter-offer of KSh 3–3.5 billion is both inadequate and disrespectful to the academic fraternity that sustains Kenya’s higher education system. We further condemn the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) for overstepping its advisory mandate and frustrating fair negotiations between UASU and the Inter-Public Universities Councils Consultative Forum (IPUCCF).

To our students, we understand the distress this strike has caused and deeply regret the disruption of learning and research. However, we believe this short-term inconvenience is necessary to safeguard the dignity and stability of our universities for years to come. A university system that neglects its academic staff cannot produce quality graduates or research that serves the nation.

We therefore urge the government to act with urgency and sincerity. The union remains open to dialogue and will suspend the strike only when a credible, binding agreement guaranteeing the full implementation of the CBA is reached. Until that time, all lecturers are advised to remain steadfast and united.

Let it be clear — our struggle is not just for better pay, but for the restoration of respect, fairness, and sustainability in Kenya’s public universities.

Constantine Wesonga
Secretary-General, Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU)

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