Negotiations between the government and university staff unions have collapsed after lecturers rejected a KSh12 billion offer, leaving the ongoing strike in public universities unresolved.
The latest setback was reported on Monday, October 12, 2026, after the unions rejected the government’s proposal, insisting that their concerns must be addressed through meaningful negotiations. The dispute centres on the 2025–2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which is intended to set lecturers’ salaries and other employment terms.
The nationwide strike began on October 2 after talks between the unions and the Inter-Public Universities Councils Consultative Forum (IPUCCF) failed to reach an agreement. The Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU), Kenya University Staff Union (KUSU) and Kenya Union of Domestic, Hotels, Educational Institutions, Hospitals and Allied Workers (KUDHEIHA) are among the unions involved in the industrial action.
The unions have raised concerns over salaries, allowances, medical benefits and other working conditions, arguing that the proposals presented so far do not adequately address their demands.
What Happens to Students?
For students in public universities, the collapse of negotiations means continued uncertainty over when normal learning will resume. Lectures and other university activities have already been disrupted, and a prolonged strike could force institutions to adjust their academic calendars, examinations and graduation schedules.
However, the collapse of talks does not mean universities have been permanently closed. A return to normal learning will depend on a negotiated settlement and an announcement by the unions ending the industrial action.
The immediate task is to get both sides back to the negotiating table. The government and university employers will need to address the unions’ concerns and agree on a way forward for the disputed CBA.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba had previously urged striking university staff to obey court orders suspending the industrial action and return to work as negotiations continued.
With the latest talks having failed, students and parents are left waiting for a breakthrough. Until an agreement is reached and a return to work arrangement is announced, there is no confirmed date for the resumption of normal learning in affected public universities.
