University Staff Threatens Nationwide Strike Over Delayed CBA Negotiations

Thousands of students hoping to join or continue their studies in public universities across Kenya may soon find themselves in limbo, as the Kenya University Staff Union (KUSU) has issued a warning that it is seriously contemplating industrial action.

The potential strike threatens to disrupt academic activities nationwide if the government and relevant stakeholders fail to engage in timely and meaningful dialogue over a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) for the 2025–2029 period.

KUSU Secretary General, Dr. Charles Mukhwaya, raised the alarm during an interview on Spice FM, where he expressed the union’s growing frustration over what he described as the government’s reluctance to begin structured negotiations for the next phase of the CBA.

Dr. Mukhwaya clarified that, contrary to reports circulating in certain government circles, no CBA is currently ready for signing, as no formal talks have even begun.

According to Mukhwaya, the union had already submitted comprehensive proposals to the relevant authorities, including university councils and government agencies, outlining their expectations for the upcoming CBA cycle. However, these proposals have so far been met with silence.

“We submitted the necessary documentation well in advance, expecting the university councils to act responsibly by convening a joint negotiation committee to begin discussions,” said Mukhwaya. “Unfortunately, that has not happened. Instead of initiating the negotiation process, they have sidelined our proposals and are focusing on creating generic human resource policies that have little to do with the real needs of university staff.”

He further criticized the inaction, noting that the 2025–2029 CBA was supposed to be negotiated, signed, and set for implementation by July 2025. “We’re already behind schedule,” he said. “The longer they delay, the more likely we will be compelled to strike. They are supposed to call us to the table. That hasn’t happened. And that is where the clamour begins.”

While Mukhwaya did not confirm a specific date for the proposed industrial action, he made it clear that patience within the union was wearing thin. “The situation is untenable,” he said. “If they continue to ignore our calls for negotiation, then we will have no option but to take action. This is not a threat—it’s a warning grounded in our constitutional rights as workers.”

He added that Industrial action is always a last resort, but when dialogue is repeatedly ignored, the union must take measures to protect the welfare and dignity of its members. “We are prepared to act if pushed to the wall. We will not stand by while the government delays what is legally and morally required of them,” he stated emphatically.

Despite the standoff, Mukhwaya did acknowledge that some progress had been made under the current 2021–2025 CBA. He noted that the union had agreed with the government on a phased implementation plan, and the first installment of agreed benefits had already been disbursed in December of the previous year. The second tranche, he said, was expected by July 1^st, with the final portion scheduled before the end of the ongoing financial year.

“The current CBA is still active, and we’ve seen some commitment from the government in terms of disbursements. However, that should not be used as an excuse to delay or ignore preparations for the next agreement. We need continuity and predictability,” said Mukhwaya.

In addition to the delays in CBA negotiations, Dr. Mukhwaya also took issue with recent remarks made by Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi. In his comments, Mbadi had suggested that public universities should consider restructuring, which could involve retrenchments and greater financial autonomy. These statements were not well received by the union.

Mukhwaya criticized the CS for being insensitive to the plight of university workers and students alike. “It is unfortunate that such comments are coming from someone who once worked at the University of Nairobi. One would expect him to be more empathetic and understanding of the challenges within the higher education sector,” he said.

However, the union leader clarified that while KUSU is not against financial reforms per se, such reforms must be carried out with transparency and in full respect of staff rights. “We are not opposed to restructuring if it is done in a way that protects our members and ensures academic quality. But retrenchment without dialogue is not the answer,” Mukhwaya stressed.

With the academic calendar already strained by ongoing reforms and financial challenges in the education sector, KUSU’s latest announcement is likely to raise anxiety among students, parents, and education stakeholders across the country. The union has called on the government and university councils to immediately initiate dialogue to avert a nationwide crisis in higher education.

“The longer they wait, the worse this will get. Students, staff, and the entire public university system will suffer if structured engagement does not begin immediately,” warned Mukhwaya.

As the clock ticks toward July 2025—the proposed implementation period for the new CBA—the pressure is now squarely on the shoulders of government officials and university management bodies to step up and prevent a potential shutdown of Kenya’s public university system.

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