Lecturers across Kenya’s public universities have given the government a seven-day ultimatum to clear outstanding salary arrears and address unresolved collective bargaining matters.

If nothing is done by September 17, learning in all the 37 state universities and their feeder colleges will grind to a halt as lectures will be disrupted and crucial administrative services.

Through the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU), the lecturers accuse the government of failing to implement key 2017–2021 CBA provisions and delaying talks on the next agreement.

UASU Secretary-General Constantine Wasonga announced at a Nairobi press conference that the union was issuing a seven-day strike notice starting immediately.

“We hereby issue a seven-day written strike notice with effect from today to all councils of public universities and constituent colleges over failure to negotiate, conclude, register and implement the 2025–2029 National Collective Bargaining Agreement,” he said.

Last year, the government committed to phased payments under the 2021–2025 CBA. While Sh3.4 billion was disbursed in January 2025, the next tranche of Sh2.73 billion, due in June, remains unpaid. A further Sh2.73 billion, earmarked for the 2026/2027 fiscal year, is also in limbo.

“Our members are tired. We cannot wait any longer,” said Dr Wasonga. “Every time we sit at the table, agreements are only honoured after we go on strike. It has become the only language the government seems to understand.”

He blamed key state agencies — including the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), the Ministry of Education, and the National Treasury — for ignoring binding court orders. The Employment and Labour Relations Court had previously ruled that adequate budget allocations must be made for CBA implementation. “To date, nothing has been done,” Wasonga added.

He dismissed criticism that UASU was rushing into action. “In public universities, there has never been a negotiation concluded without a strike. It has become the norm.”

The union is also demanding that the government open negotiations for the 2025–2029 CBA, which proposes improved salaries, allowances, extended retirement age, and enhanced benefits.

“This strike will not be called off until the arrears are paid,” Wasonga warned. “We will not resume duty until our issues are addressed.”