The Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) has said it will intensify its ongoing strike after talks with the government ended without a resolution on Monday, October 26, 2026.
The union said the government tabled a reduced counter-offer of Sh11 billion, down from the Sh12 billion proposed on October 12, in negotiations for the 2025-2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
According to UASU, the latest offer translates to a basic salary increment of only three per cent, which it considers inadequate given the rising cost of living.
The union cited government data showing that petrol prices have risen by 20 per cent and diesel prices by 42 per cent since the start of the year. It argued that the proposed adjustment does not reflect the economic pressure facing university employees.
UASU said a meaningful salary agreement must take rising living costs into account and offer staff a credible improvement in earnings. It also insisted that the government must table a credible counter-offer that can lead to the conclusion of the 2025-2029 CBA negotiations.
A key sticking point remains the funding of salaries in public universities. UASU is demanding a clear commitment from the government that salaries will be paid through the National Exchequer.
The Inter-Ministerial Committee meeting held on Monday ended without an agreement, leaving the dispute unresolved. It also leaves uncertainty over when normal operations will resume in public universities.
Following the failed talks, UASU called on all public university staff to remain united as it prepares to intensify industrial action until a satisfactory outcome is reached.
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