By KPC Reporter
After 50 days of paralysis in Kenya’s public universities, the long-running lecturers’ strike has finally come to an end.
This followed the signing of a Return-to-Work Formula between the Kenya Universities Staff Union (KUSU) and the Inter-Public Universities Councils Consultative Forum (IPUCCF) on behalf of employers.
The breakthrough agreement, signed in Nairobi on 5th November 2025, was witnessed by top government and university officials, including Dr Beatrice Inyangala, Principal Secretary for Higher Education, and several vice-chancellors.
It paves the way for thousands of university workers to resume duty immediately.
At the heart of the dispute were delayed arrears and unimplemented Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) for 2017–2021 and 2021–2025, which KUSU said had left many staff demoralised.
Under the new deal, the Government has agreed to release KSh7.76 billion in two instalments—half by December 2025 and the remainder by July 2026—towards fully settling the verified arrears of KSh7.94 billion owed to academic and non-teaching staff.
In addition, the Ministry of Education confirmed that all withheld salaries and benefits for September and October will be paid by 10th November.
No employee will lose their job, salary, or seniority for participating in the strike, while those whose contracts were terminated will be reinstated unconditionally.
The agreement also compels universities to withdraw all disciplinary actions, warning letters, and lockouts issued during the strike period.
KUSU officials, led by National Chairperson Dr Philip Onyango and Secretary General Dr Charles Mukhwaya, hailed the deal as a “victory for dialogue and fairness.”
Dr Mukhwaya said the union’s priority now is to help restore academic normalcy. “Our members are ready to get back to work and recover the time lost,” he said.
On their part, university administrators acknowledged the toll the strike had taken on institutions and students alike.
“We are relieved that learning will resume. It’s been a tough period for everyone,” said one vice-chancellor who signed the pact.
Both sides agreed to fast-track fresh negotiations for the 2025–2029 CBA within 30 days to prevent a repeat of the stalemate.
The document closes a painful chapter in the higher education sector and gives hope that harmony can once again return to Kenya’s lecture halls.
Universities Staff Strike Ends as Deal Is Signed
Nov 05, 2025 at 01:48 PM
By KPC Reporter After 50 days of paralysis in Kenya’s public universities, the long-running lecturers’ strike has finally come to an end. This followed the signing of a Return-to-Work Formula between the Kenya Universities Staff Union (KUSU) and the Inter-Public Universities Councils Consultative Forum (IPUCCF) on behalf of employers. The breakthrough agreement, signed in Nairobi […]
Varsities Shut Down as Lecturers’ Strike Continues
Nov 04, 2025 at 07:00 PM
By KPC Reporter Kenyan public universities have begun shutting down operations as the lecturers’ strike enters its 50th day, paralysing learning across campuses. Notices from Egerton and Pwani universities show a system buckling under pressure as industrial action by dons drags on with no end in sight. Egerton University on Tuesday ordered students to vacate […]
KTDA West of Rift Directors Demand Probe into Private Tea Firms Amid Bonus Crisis
Nov 04, 2025 at 01:34 PM
By KPC Reporter Directors of the Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) West of Rift have called for an urgent investigation into privately owned tea companies allegedly flouting industry laws. They said this is undercutting smallholder farmers, even as concerns mount over dwindling tea bonuses across the country. Speaking in Kisumu, KTDA Vice Chairman Omweno Ombasa […]
Kenya’s Deaf Golf Ace Isaac Makokha Fired Up for Tokyo 2025 Deaflympics
Nov 04, 2025 at 05:55 AM
By KPC Reporter Kenya’s deaf golf ace Isaac Makokha is determined to turn his 2022 Brazil Deaflympics bronze medal into gold at the forthcoming Tokyo 2025 Summer Deaflympics, set for November 15–26. The recent string of victories on the fairways by the 33-year-old heavy hitter has buoyed his spirits ahead of his second appearance on […]
My Sister, President Suluhu Hassan: You Are Betraying the Dreams of African Women
Nov 03, 2025 at 02:05 PM
By Linda Tsungirirai Masarira I am a woman leader. I believe, with every fibre of my being, in the power of women to heal our nations, to lead with compassion, and to build a more inclusive and just Africa. It is precisely because of this belief that I can not remain silent as a sister […]
POETIC TURN: Teen Mother
Nov 02, 2025 at 02:58 PM
By Shem Onderi Too young to be an adult,Too tender to carry the weight of motherhood,A teen mother learns too earlyWhat only time should teach. She is discouraged,The government frowns,The church weeps,And the chief laments in the village square —Yet her heart remains unheard. A national concern,A silent tragedy,A teen mother cannot feed herself,Still clutching […]
Winners Crowned as Parliamentary Staff Sports Day Concludes in Style
Nov 02, 2025 at 02:42 PM
By Janet Nyanchoka Nyamwamu The inaugural Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) Sports activities came to an exciting close on Saturday evening at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Lang’ata, Nairobi, after two action-packed days celebrating teamwork, wellness, and camaraderie among parliamentary staff. The interdepartmental event brought together employees from both the National Assembly and the Senate, who […]
Greg Snow Takes Early Command at Betika Masters with Impressive 4-Under 68
Nov 02, 2025 at 02:10 PM
By KPC Reporter Greg Snow took command of the leaderboard after the opening round of the Betika Masters at VetLab Sports Club, posting a brilliant 4-under-par 68 to lead the 73-player field at the seventh leg of the Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing. Snow, one of Kenya’s most experienced golfers, displayed his trademark […]
Kakamega Teaching and Referral Hospital to Be Upgraded to National Facility
Nov 02, 2025 at 11:11 AM
By Ng’wono O’Nyakundi The national government has taken over the construction of the Kakamega Teaching and Referral Hospital and will eventually acquire new status. President William Ruto announced that the facility will be upgraded to a national referral hospital upon completion. Ruto said the government had allocated KSh1 billion to fast-track completion of the project […]
Youths with Disabilities in Kajiado Empowered Through Ajira’s Jitume Programme
Nov 01, 2025 at 08:46 AM
By Cyrus Munguti Young people in Kajiado County are embracing digital opportunities to earn a living, thanks to the Ajira Digital and Jitume programmes, which continue to equip them with valuable online work skills. Janet Salash, a resident of Magadi, shared how the initiative has transformed her life. “I’ve been able to earn money through […]