Lecturers across the country are set to resume work following the signing of a return-to-work formula between the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) and the government.
UASU National Chairperson Grace Nyongesa outlined the deal during an interview on NTV, describing it as a major step toward restoring industrial harmony and protecting the rights of academic staff.
Nyongesa said one of the union’s key priorities was to secure job guarantees for its members, many of whom had faced disciplinary threats during the strike.
“When people are out on strike, there are threats from employers. The first thing is to ensure we guarantee the jobs for our members,” she said.
Under the signed formula, UASU agreed to immediately call off the strike once the agreement took effect.
In return, the Inter-Public Universities Consultative Council Forum (IPUCCF) committed to withdraw all disciplinary actions initiated during the industrial action.
“Any disciplinary or intended disciplinary actions, including but not limited to show-cause letters, warning letters, interdictions, suspensions or dismissals, are hereby withdrawn unconditionally and revoked with immediate effect,” reads part of the document.
The agreement further affirms that no member will lose their job, benefits or salary for participating in the strike.
Nyongesa revealed that some lecturers had faced suspension, illegal lockouts and other punitive measures that barred them from accessing their workplaces.
The union had insisted that such measures be revoked before members could return to work.
The deal also includes a financial component. UASU and the government agreed on a payment plan for the outstanding Sh7.9 billion owed to lecturers.
The first installment of Sh3.9 billion will be released in December, while the second tranche remains under discussion.
The Phase Two arrears under the 2021–2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), amounting to Sh2.73 billion, have been marked as settled pending final verification by the Joint Local Implementation Committees.
“We are citizens of this country and we see money flying everywhere every day. Where are our priorities? Are we not a priority in the education sector?” Nyongesa asked, expressing frustration over the delayed payments.
She noted that initial government proposals to spread the payments across three tranches up to 2029 were rejected by 98 per cent of union delegates.
However, the talks later progressed with the involvement of Deputy President Kindiki, culminating in a two-tranche offer.
“It’s been a long process, but we hope this sets a precedent for how academic staff are treated moving forward,” Nyongesa said.
