UASU calls off lecturers' strike after 26 days

From left: Education CS Julius Ogamba (centre), Higher Education PS Beatrice Inyangala (left) and UASU Secretary General General Constantine Wasonga. [Collins Oduor, Standard]

The University and Academic Staff Union (UASU) has called off its 26-day strike that disrupted teaching and learning in public universities.

The move follows successful talks with the Ministry of Education, with lecturers scheduled to return to work on Monday, November 27.

The decision was reached after UASU signed a return-to-work formula with the Inter-Public Universities Councils Consultative Forum (IPUCCF).

 The agreement includes a government pledge to fully implement the 2021–2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which is valued at Sh9.7 billion.

Under the deal, the government will release the funds in three tranches, with the first Sh4.3 billion covering nine months up to June 2025.

The remaining Sh5.4 billion will be disbursed in two instalments of Sh2.7 billion each.

 At the same time, all legal cases linked to the strike will be withdrawn, marking the end of the industrial action that paralysed all 35 public universities and constituent colleges.