Thousands of university students are currently affected by a nationwide four-week strike by academic and non-academic staff after the latest round of pay talks between the government and university unions failed on Monday.
On Tuesday, University of Nairobi students blocked parts of Waiyaki Way, lighting bonfires and creating roadblocks using stones. Police then used tear gas to disperse the students and clear the road.
The protests reflected students’ frustration at being unable to attend classes, sit exams or graduate because of the strike, which began on 2 October.
The strike was called by the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU), the Kenya Universities Staff Union (KUSU) and KUDHEIHA after pay talks broke down over the new four-year Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). The unions are demanding meaningful negotiations backed by adequate funding from the National Treasury.
Pay talks have been a contentious issue over the years. Previous Collective Bargaining Agreements, such as the 2017–21 and 2021–25 CBAs, were signed after long delays and strikes. This led to large amounts of salary arrears, reportedly amounting to around Sh7.9 billion and Sh2.73 billion, which took years to settle.
However, these issues have only been partially resolved through return-to-work formulas in 2024 and November 2025. In November 2025, a return-to-work formula brought an end to a seven-week strike and stated that the 2025–29 CBA would be finalised within 30 days.
During the current round of talks, the government initially tabled offers ranging from Sh9.76 billion to Sh12 billion, presenting a Sh12 billion proposal on 12 October. On Monday, 26 October, an Inter-Ministerial Committee reduced the counter-offer to Sh11 billion–11.9 billion.
UASU Secretary-General Dr. Constantine Wasonga rejected the revised figure, stating that it represented a cut from the earlier proposal and would translate to only about a 3 per cent increase in basic salaries, which he considered inadequate in the face of rising living costs. He insisted that any settlement must include a firm financial commitment from the Treasury rather than relying on strained university budgets.
Students have borne the brunt of this situation. The strike has disrupted academic calendars, postponed lessons and created uncertainty around graduation, with lectures suspended for almost a month. Families are also facing increased costs because students must remain in university hostels or rented accommodation for longer than expected.
More talks are expected later this week, but for now, both lecturers and students are left in limbo after the latest round of talks failed.
– John Murunga
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