UASU Members March to Nairobi’s CBD, Demand Government Action

Members of the University Academic Staff Union (UASU) today embarked on a procession through Nairobi to present their grievances to the government over a protracted industrial strike that has brought university operations to a standstill. The strike, which began on October 29, is now entering its third week, with no resolution in sight.

The procession started at the University of Nairobi's Graduation Square, with UASU leaders and members marching towards key government offices, including the Ministry of Education and the Treasury. The lecturers are demanding the full implementation of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) signed in September 2024, which promises Ksh9.7 billion in funding for university staff, but which the government has only partially addressed with a controversial Ksh4.3 billion offer.

Key Demands Include:

Promotion Stagnation: UASU Secretary General Constantine Wesonga decried the lack of promotions for lecturers, some of whom have remained in the same job group for over 20 years.

Financial Benefits: The union is calling for car loans and mortgage schemes for academic staff, arguing that their contributions through taxes warrant such benefits.

Full Implementation of CBA: The union insists that the government honor the full Ksh9.7 billion pledge under the CBA, rejecting a partial offer that they deem insufficient.

The procession was joined by students and other academic staff who sang solidarity songs and raised banners calling for a swift resolution. The lecturers are also urging the government to address their concerns about what they describe as manipulative and dubious proposals.

"The government wants to trick us into accepting 7% pay increases, but we are not fooled," Wesonga said during the march. "We will not be part of a scheme to manipulate the system. We demand a fair and transparent process."

Negotiations between UASU and the government have stalled, with the Inter-public Universities Council Consultative Forum (IPUCCF) failing to provide the necessary documentation to approve the Ksh4.3 billion offer. The union maintains that it will not accept any offer that deviates from the agreed terms of the CBA.

As the strike continues, lecturers are calling for a meeting with senior government officials to discuss the way forward. The outcome of today’s demonstration could be pivotal in determining whether the strike will end or escalate further, leaving students' education in jeopardy.