Students across public universities have been told to expect long break from lectures as the nationwide lecturers’ strike shows no signs of coming to an end.
Speaking during a media press on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, University Academic Staff Union (UASU) Secretary General Dr. Constantine Wasonga said the industrial action is obligatory to secure long-overdue reforms in the higher education sector.
“It is unfortunate that we are going to have a long strike. We love our students, but we are being forced to be out,” Wasonga stated. He stressed that the union’s fight is aimed at addressing structural problems that have plagued universities for years.
The unionist criticised the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) for attempting to dictate terms for negotiations.
“We are supposed to negotiate with our employer. What is SRC? SRC is supposed to give advice. But the way they are giving that advisory, it means they don’t allow workers to negotiate with their employer,” he said.AL
Wasonga expressed frustration over the government’s funding proposals, which he described as inadequate.
ALSO READ:
“Three billion for four years? For all unions? So one billion is for UASU, another billion is for KUSU, and another billion is for KUDHEIHA. And you want to call us to go and negotiate? Each and every worker is entitled to an automatic annual increment. That three billion is not even enough,” he added.
The UASU Secretary General appealed to students for patience, assuring them that the strike is ultimately for their benefit.
“Bear with us. We are fighting for you. We are cleaning the higher education sector. We shall not call a strike next year so that when we start next year, our students can have time to study,” he said.
Wasonga also highlighted persistent issues in the sector, including unpaid statutory deductions, missing pension schemes at several universities, and lack of medical cover for staff.
He recalled the 2003 strike, which secured a 116 per cent increment in basic salaries after nine months of industrial action, urging current members to remain committed despite meagre pay.
ALSO READ:
Nairobi JSS teachers call for clear career progression frameworks amid autonomy push
Looking ahead, Wasonga announced plans to devolve the strike to individual university chapters, intensifying the industrial action.
“We are going to devolve strikes. They are joking with us. When you see the body language of the Secretary General, he is ready for anything,” he said.
The lecturers’ strike is now entering its fourth week, with the don’s demands of full implementation of full CBAs which range from 2021 to the current 2025/2029.
Even though the government announced the release of Ksh 2.5Billion, the stalemate is still on as students remain stranded in universities.
By Juma Ndigo
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
