The Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) has issued a threat of a nationwide strike by lecturers across public universities, citing unresolved issues around the 2025–2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and changes to the retirement age for academic staff.
Central to the dispute is a Public Service Commission (PSC) circular from March 2026 that sets the retirement age at 70 for professors and associate professors, but at 65 for lecturers and senior lecturers. UASU argues that this policy was implemented without sufficient consultation and could drastically reduce the number of experienced academics in Kenyan universities.
Impact on University of Nairobi
Prof George Osanjo, Secretary of UASU's University of Nairobi chapter, highlighted that the institution stands to be disproportionately affected due to its large ageing academic workforce. He warned that up to 70% of academic staff could exit if the new retirement age policy is enforced, noting the university has already lost nearly 40% of its lecturers through retirements, resignations, and other factors.
Delays in Collective Bargaining Agreement Negotiations
Besides the retirement age issue, UASU has criticized the government for stalling negotiations on the 2025–2029 CBA and for not fully honoring previous agreements. The union rejected a government counter-offer of Ksh3.1 billion, stating it falls short of accounting for inflation and the value of academic work.
Ongoing Labour Unrest in Public Universities
Labour tensions are also rising at other institutions. At Moi University, lecturers have threatened to disrupt the upcoming September reopening over unpaid salary arrears. UASU officials insist that the Ksh1.2 billion allocated by the government for arrears from 2017 to 2022 must be fully accounted for and disbursed, noting that about Ksh500 million remains unpaid.
The disputes underscore broader challenges facing Kenya’s public universities, including staffing shortages, delayed salary negotiations, and funding constraints. Without swift resolution, thousands of students may face disruptions as the academic year approaches.
