University lecturers have reached a KSh20 billion financial agreement with the government, paving the way for an end to the nationwide strike that has disrupted learning in public universities since October 2, 2026.

The agreement was announced on Wednesday, October 28, by Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) Secretary-General Dr Constantine Wasonga following negotiations involving union officials and senior government representatives.

The KSh20 billion package will cater for basic salaries and allowances for university staff under the 2025–2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

Wasonga said the amount was reached through negotiations with the government, describing it as an agreed figure rather than an offer imposed on the unions.

The breakthrough followed discussions involving Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba, National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi and Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo.

The government had previously presented several financial proposals, including KSh9.76 billion, KSh11.95 billion and approximately KSh11.96 billion, which the unions rejected as inadequate.

The unions had initially sought KSh98 billion for the four-year agreement, including salary adjustments and improved allowances for university employees.

UASU had proposed basic salary increases ranging between 36 and 68 per cent, depending on employees' job grades, alongside improvements in house allowances and other employment benefits.

STRIKE EXPECTED TO END ON FRIDAY

Following the financial breakthrough, technical teams from the government and the unions were expected to document the agreed terms ahead of the formal signing of the agreement on Friday, October 30.

Wasonga indicated that the union would officially call off the strike at 3pm on Friday, subject to the completion of the formalisation process.

He also urged lecturers to prepare to return to their respective institutions, assuring students that teaching would resume on Monday, November 2.

The strike began on October 2 after negotiations over the new CBA stalled, resulting in disruptions to teaching, research and other academic activities across public universities.

SOME STAFF DEMANDS REMAIN UNRESOLVED

Despite the financial agreement, several issues raised by university staff remain outstanding.

These include concerns over medical cover, staff shortages and approximately KSh7.9 billion in salary arrears relating to the previous 2021–2025 CBA.

The unions had also raised concerns over the funding of university employees, arguing that salaries should be financed through the National Exchequer rather than relying on student fees.

The KSh20 billion agreement represents a significant development in the dispute, although details on how the money will be distributed among individual employees and the specific payment timelines have yet to be fully established.

The formal signing of the agreement and the union's official announcement will determine the conclusion of the current industrial action, with students now looking forward to the resumption of normal academic activities.