The Universities Academic Staff Union (Uasu) plans to convene a meeting with members following a government proposal for a 50-50 payment plan to resolve the ongoing lecturers' strike. The strike, now in its 48th day, stems from unpaid billions in arrears tied to collective bargaining agreements. Union leader Constantine Wesonga insists on an 80-20 split as the minimum acceptable terms.
On Tuesday, November 4, 2025, a meeting facilitated by the National Assembly Committee on Education brought together representatives from the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Treasury, the National Assembly, and the Universities Academic Staff Union (Uasu). The discussions aimed to end the lecturers' strike, which has disrupted university operations for 48 days.
Uasu Secretary General Constantine Wesonga announced plans to convene a union meeting to reconsider the strike's continuation. “For the sake of the children and students of this country, we are going to convene, as the organs of the union, so that we can reconsider,” he stated.
The government proposed a 50-50 phased payment for the Ksh7.9 billion in arrears owed to lecturers and staff. However, Wesonga rejected this, demanding an 80-20 plan instead, where 80 percent (Ksh5 billion) would be paid immediately and the remaining 20 percent (Ksh2 billion) deferred to 2026/2027. “The worst of the worst is 80-20. They give us 80 per cent, and 20 per cent to remain... That is my irreducible minimum for the sake of you, Mr Chair, the Committee members, and the students of this country,” Wesonga asserted.
The Treasury Ministry explained that immediate full payment was not feasible due to required due process. Wesonga also called for an apology from the Education Ministry over alleged threats and intimidation against striking staff, and urged the Interpublic Universities Council Consultative Forum (Ipuccf) to review its handling of university employees, accusing it of demotivating workers.
The strike originated from the government's failure to fully implement the 2017-2021, 2021-2025, and 2025-2029 Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs). In September, Uasu issued a seven-day strike notice after exhausting dialogue options. A court order to suspend the strike and pursue talks was ignored.
It remains unclear when Uasu's internal meeting will take place or if the payment impasse will be resolved.