University Lecturers to resume Strike at Midnight

The University Academic Staff Union (UASU) has announced a nationwide strike to begin at midnight tonight, following the breakdown of negotiations with the government. The strike is set to disrupt learning in all public universities across Kenya, as academic staff members protest unfulfilled promises and stalled negotiations on their welfare.

UASU Secretary General Constantine Wesonga made the call to action, urging members to halt work at midnight. "I want to tell UASU members wherever they are, just work today up to midnight, after which you should down your tools,” he stated, emphasizing that union members won’t accept manipulation over promised salary increases.

The strike follows a final attempt to negotiate on September 26, when the government failed to reach an agreement with UASU on a return-to-work formula. In an earlier meeting on September 25, Cabinet Secretary for Labour Alfred Mutua had escalated the talks, forming an inter-ministerial negotiating team to include representatives from the Ministries of Labour, Education, and the Treasury. This team aimed to address key issues, including a proposed increase in retirement age for academic staff.

Despite these efforts, UASU has accused the government of failing to honor previous commitments, leading to frustration and renewed calls for industrial action. The impending strike comes on the heels of a previously suspended strike earlier this month when unions had agreed to negotiate.