As of October 16, 2025, Kenya’s public universities remain indefinately closed due to an ongoing strike by lecturers and the non-teaching staff. The strike, initiated in early September, has left thousands of students on ice, uncertain about their academic futures.
The government’s failure to fully implement the 2017–2021 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) is the root cause of the ongoing demonstrations. Lecturers claim that approximately KSh 7.9 billion owed to them remains unpaid. Besides, many have reported unexplained deductions from their salaries, such as a KSh 7,000 charge for the Social Health Authority (SHA), which has further led to discontent among staff. University Academic Staff Union (UASU) Secretary-General Constantine Wasonga expressed frustration, stating, “The government has invited lecturers to the streets, and we have heeded their call. We are launching a mega strike that they have never experienced before”
In response, the government has engaged in negotiations with the unions. Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba restated the government’s commitment to finding a lasting solution. Discussions have involved the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) to review payrolls and confirm the amounts owed to lecturers. Despite these efforts, a resolution has not been reached, and the strike seems to continue.
The strike has led to the indefinite closure of several universities, including Moi University, which suspended all learning and teaching activities following industrial action by staff and subsequent student unrest. Other institutions have also experienced disruptions, with students and faculty expressing frustration over the prolonged closure and lack of progress in negotiations.
The ongoing lecturers’ strike in Kenya has ignited a wave of concern among students, parents, and the broader public. Students express anxiety over potential delays in their academic progression, while parents voice frustrations over the prolonged uncertainty. Public sentiment is divided; some advocate for the lecturers’ demands for fair compensation and improved working conditions, while others urge for a swift resolution to minimize the disruption to students’ education.
As the strike extends into its sixth week, the future of Kenya’s public universities remains uncertain. The government’s ability to address the lecturers’ concerns and reach a fair agreement will be pivotal in determining when academic activities can resume. Until then, the standstill continues, affecting thousands of students and staff across the nation.
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