The 49-day strike declared by Universities Academic Staff Union was officially called off Wednesday, November 5, paving the way for the resumption of learning in universities.
The lecturers’ union reached a deal with the government to settle Ksh7.9 billion in salary arrears owed from the 2017–2021 Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Speaking during a press briefing in Nairobi, UASU Secretary General Constantine Wesonga confirmed the two parties had agreed to a two-phase payment plan that brought to an end weeks of stalled academic activities across public universities.
“The government has committed to pay what is owed and we have agreed on how this will be done. Our members will now return to class,” said Wesonga.
He also regretted the prolonged disruption of studies and assured students that lecturers were ready to make up for the lost time.
“I want to apologize to the comrades for the 42-plus days they have lost. Our members, however, have committed to fully recover that time,” he said.
Wesonga also urged the government to uphold its part of the bargain, adding that there would be industrial harmony in the universities if the deal is respected.
“It is upon the government to honour what we have signed here today. If that happens, I commit that there shall be no strike by UASU up to 2030,” he added.
The strike, which started in September, crippled operations in the country’s public universities, leaving thousands of students stranded and academic calendars in disarray.
This agreement will now see the resumption of normal learning as both sides rebuild trust and restore stability in the higher education sector.
