University students could remain out of class for months as lecturers and other public university staff maintain their nationwide strike over a disputed pay deal, with union leaders warning that learning may not resume until their demands are met.
Kenya Universities Staff Union (KUSU) Secretary-General Charles Mukhwaya has warned that the industrial action could extend into the Christmas and New Year holidays if the government fails to present an improved offer under the 2025–2029 collective bargaining agreement (CBA).
The strike, which began on October 2, involves the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU), KUSU and the Kenya Union of Domestic, Hotels, Educational Institutions, Hospitals and Allied Workers (KUDHEIHA).
The unions have rejected the government's proposal, arguing that it does not adequately address salary adjustments, allowances and other employment benefits.
Unions demand improved government offer
Speaking during an interview with a local radio station, Mukhwaya accused the government of failing to honour agreements reached with university workers and called for a fresh counteroffer that responds to their specific demands.
“The government should come up with a counteroffer that addresses our respective and specific demands and proposals,” he said.
Mukhwaya questioned the government's explanation that financial constraints were limiting its ability to meet the unions' demands, arguing that the establishment of new universities should not come at the expense of existing institutions.
“We do not agree that there is no money when the same government is opening new universities instead of funding the existing ones,” he said.
He blamed the recurring industrial disputes in public universities on what he described as the government's failure to honour commitments made during negotiations.
Students face prolonged academic disruption
The union official also expressed concern over the impact of the strike on students whose academic programmes have been interrupted, warning that continued delays could undermine their educational aspirations.
“It is heartbreaking to see young people who have worked hard and are eager to pursue university education being affected by the ongoing strike,” he said.
Mukhwaya further criticised the pace of engagement by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), arguing that the commission needed to move faster in addressing issues affecting university employees.
Higher Education Principal Secretary Beatrice Inyangala has maintained that the government wants an agreement that addresses staff concerns while remaining affordable to universities and the State.
However, the two sides remain far apart, leaving thousands of students uncertain about when normal learning will resume.
Previous agreement fails to prevent fresh dispute
The current dispute follows another university staff strike that ended on November 5, 2025, after unions and the government reached an agreement over arrears under the 2017–2021 CBA.
With negotiations still deadlocked, Mukhwaya said students should prepare for a prolonged disruption if the government fails to improve its offer.
The warning raises fresh concerns about delayed examinations, extended semesters and disruptions to academic calendars, as students and families continue to shoulder the financial costs of university education without certainty over when studies will resume.
The unions maintain that a satisfactory agreement is necessary to end the strike, while the government insists on a settlement that balances workers' interests with the financial realities facing public universities.
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