The government has intensified efforts to end the ongoing lecturers’ strike that has paralyzed learning in several public universities. Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has assured Kenyans that the Ministry is fully committed to finding a lasting solution through structured dialogue with the University Academic Staff Union (UASU) and other key stakeholders.
Speaking during the Mazingira Day 2025 tree-planting exercise at Kenyoro Primary School in Marani Sub-county, Kisii County, CS Ogamba said discussions are progressing well and that the government is working to restore normal learning in higher education institutions as soon as possible.
“Involved parties have agreed to form a technical team that is going to review the payrolls and confirm how much money has been paid out of the money that the lecturers are requesting,” said the CS.
The joint team will include representatives from the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), the Universities Funding Board, and UASU. The technical committee will verify payments owed to lecturers under the 2017–2021 and 2021–2025 Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs), ensuring transparency and accuracy in the process.
“We want to ensure transparency and accountability. Once the figures are verified, the government will take appropriate measures to settle what is owed within available resources,” Ogamba added.
Background of the Strike
The lecturers’ strike, now in its third week, has disrupted learning in major public universities, including the University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University, Moi University, and Egerton University. UASU has accused the government of failing to fully implement the two CBAs signed with university managements, resulting in unpaid arrears and salary disparities.
According to UASU officials, lecturers have not received full salary adjustments, allowances, and other agreed benefits. They also decried what they termed as unequal distribution of government funds among universities, leading to frustration and demotivation among academic staff. The ongoing strike has left students uncertain about their academic timelines, with many fearing delayed graduations and cancelled exams.
Government’s Call for Dialogue
In response, CS Ogamba appealed to lecturers to demonstrate goodwill and resume teaching as talks continue. He emphasized that the government recognizes the vital role lecturers play in nurturing Kenya’s intellectual and innovation capacity.
“The government values our lecturers. They are the backbone of research, innovation, and intellectual development in Kenya. We appeal to them to return to class as the technical teams finalize discussions,” he said.
Ogamba also urged vice-chancellors and university councils to engage more openly with teaching staff to avoid future disruptions. He reaffirmed that dialogue remains the most effective approach to resolving disputes and protecting the integrity of Kenya’s university education system.
SRC’s Role and Funding Challenges
The Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) has maintained that salary adjustments must align with national budget limits. SRC Chairperson Lyn Mengich noted that while fair compensation is essential, all public institutions must operate within approved budgetary allocations from the Treasury.
This position has been a point of contention between UASU and the government. The union argues that signed CBAs must be fully honored regardless of financial constraints, as delayed payments continue to erode lecturers’ morale. In response, the Ministry of Education has confirmed ongoing consultations with the National Treasury to explore funding solutions that can ease the financial burden on universities.
UASU’s Response and Demands
UASU Secretary-General Dr. Constantine Wasonga welcomed the government’s dialogue efforts but called for concrete action and timelines.
“We have heard promises before, but this time we need a written framework with dates and figures. Once that is on the table, we can advise our members accordingly,” he said.
He added that the strike is not politically driven but is rooted in fairness and respect for signed agreements.
“This is about dignity and justice for Kenyan lecturers who have sacrificed for years. We are ready for dialogue, but it must yield results,” he emphasized.
Impact on Students and Universities
The ongoing strike has left thousands of students stranded, with institutions struggling to maintain academic calendars. Some universities have postponed examinations, while others have suspended learning indefinitely. Administrators fear prolonged disruption may affect Kenya’s academic reputation and lead to financial losses due to reduced enrolments.
In a show of concern, student unions have urged both sides to accelerate talks. Some students have suggested partial reopening to complete exams, while others demand government intervention to prevent academic backlog.
| Institution | Status | Duration of Disruption |
|---|---|---|
| University of Nairobi | Learning halted | 3 weeks |
| Kenyatta University | Exams postponed | 2 weeks |
| Moi University | Classes suspended | 3 weeks |
| Egerton University | Lectures disrupted | 2 weeks |
The table above shows how widespread the strike’s impact has been, underlining the urgency of a swift resolution.
Broader Context: Education Sector Reforms
The government’s engagement with university lecturers comes amid sweeping reforms within the education sector. Under the leadership of CS Ogamba, the Ministry of Education is aligning teacher management systems, higher education funding, and CBC implementation with the digital transformation efforts led by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).
For instance, TSC’s recent adoption of an online teacher transfer system and promotion framework demonstrates how digital tools are reshaping the teaching profession. You can learn more about these reforms in related posts such as Goodbye CPG: How TSC’s New Promotion System Will Work in 2025 and TSC Promotion Interview Mistakes You Must Avoid.
Teachers and lecturers alike are being encouraged to embrace technology in teaching and professional growth. In line with this, you can also read AI Tools for Mathematics Teachers and TSC 2025 Promotion Interview Documents You Must Carry.
Looking Ahead
CS Ogamba reaffirmed that resolving the lecturers’ strike remains a top government priority. He expressed optimism that the formation of a joint technical committee will accelerate progress and ensure a fair settlement.
“We are confident that all parties will act in good faith. Our goal is to ensure stability in the university system so that teaching, research, and innovation can continue uninterrupted,” he said.
The government has pledged continued investment in higher education, focusing on funding, research infrastructure, and fair remuneration for all educators. Stakeholders hope that these discussions will not only end the current standoff but also establish a foundation for lasting industrial harmony in Kenyan universities.
