Kenyan university lecturers unveiled ambitious salary proposals that would raise top professors' monthly earnings to Sh580,144, with entry-level tutorial fellows earning Sh86,594 in basic pay. These figures exclude additional benefits like housing, transportation, and commuter allowances under the proposed 2025-29 Collective Bargaining Agreement.
The Universities Academic Staff Union wants these increases implemented starting July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2029. The demands arrive amid ongoing tensions from previous labor disputes, with universities still reeling from extended strikes in late 2024 over the delayed implementation of the 2021-2025 agreement.
Last September's nationwide strike halted learning across 30 public institutions. Teaching and non-teaching staff pressed for phase II implementation of their 2021-2025 agreement, valued at Sh9.7 billion. Despite signing the deal in September 2020, union leaders accused the government of stalling tactics.
Lecturers rejected a 4.5 percent raise offer, demanding 10 percent to match increases given to other education unions and civil servants. The strikes continued intermittently as the government failed to honor return-to-work agreements. Moi University faced the longest disruption, lasting three months before resuming classes in November.
Fresh challenges emerged this January when UASU issued a 15-day ultimatum demanding implementation of the previous agreement. The union expected December salaries to include back pay for October and November 2024. The Technical University of Kenya suspended February examinations due to an active strike that began on January 14 over delayed payments.
The crisis deepened as university students protested at Higher Education Loans Board offices, demanding the disbursement of living allowances. The government responded by temporarily releasing Sh3.37 billion under the previous funding model, though universities remained unpaid. These developments unfold as the government appeals an injunction against its new education funding framework.
The Universities Academic Staff Union wants these increases implemented starting July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2029. The demands arrive amid ongoing tensions from previous labor disputes, with universities still reeling from extended strikes in late 2024 over the delayed implementation of the 2021-2025 agreement.
Last September's nationwide strike halted learning across 30 public institutions. Teaching and non-teaching staff pressed for phase II implementation of their 2021-2025 agreement, valued at Sh9.7 billion. Despite signing the deal in September 2020, union leaders accused the government of stalling tactics.
Lecturers rejected a 4.5 percent raise offer, demanding 10 percent to match increases given to other education unions and civil servants. The strikes continued intermittently as the government failed to honor return-to-work agreements. Moi University faced the longest disruption, lasting three months before resuming classes in November.
Fresh challenges emerged this January when UASU issued a 15-day ultimatum demanding implementation of the previous agreement. The union expected December salaries to include back pay for October and November 2024. The Technical University of Kenya suspended February examinations due to an active strike that began on January 14 over delayed payments.
The crisis deepened as university students protested at Higher Education Loans Board offices, demanding the disbursement of living allowances. The government responded by temporarily releasing Sh3.37 billion under the previous funding model, though universities remained unpaid. These developments unfold as the government appeals an injunction against its new education funding framework.
