University operations across Kenya have been disrupted after university staff unions began a nationwide strike on Friday, October 2, 2026, following the collapse of negotiations over a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

The strike brings together members of the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU), Kenya Universities Staff Union (KUSU), and KUDHEIHA Workers Union, who have rejected the latest proposal presented by the employers.

The unions and the Inter-Public Universities Councils Consultative Forum (IPUCCF) have been negotiating the 2025–2029 CBA, but the talks have failed to produce an agreement on several key issues, including salaries, allowances, medical benefits and staffing.

One of the major disagreements concerns the proposed salary increment. The employers have proposed an increase that the unions consider inadequate, particularly in light of the rising cost of living and the financial challenges facing university employees.

UASU has also raised concerns about the proposed KSh9.76 billion allocation for the four-year agreement, arguing that the amount would not adequately meet the unions’ demands. Other issues on the negotiating table include harmonisation of allowances, car loans, mortgages and the recruitment of additional university staff.

The industrial action is expected to affect lectures, examinations, administrative services and other university activities, with thousands of students potentially experiencing interruptions to their academic programmes.

The strike follows a seven-day notice issued by UASU in September after the union accused the government and university employers of failing to fully implement commitments contained in an earlier return-to-work agreement.

The latest development has put additional pressure on the government and university managements to return to the negotiating table and find a solution to the dispute.

For students, the immediate concern is the uncertainty surrounding classes, academic calendars and examinations, particularly if the strike continues for an extended period.

The dispute now places the country's public university system at a critical point, with the resumption of normal academic activities depending largely on whether the two sides can reach an agreement on the outstanding issues.