University lecturers in Kenya have rejected a KSh 12 billion government offer intended to resolve the ongoing dispute over the implementation of the 2025–2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), prolonging the nationwide strike that began on October 2, 2026.


The rejection follows the collapse of negotiations between the government and university staff unions for the second time, leaving academic activities in public universities disrupted.


Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) Secretary-General Constantine Wasonga described the government's counteroffer as inadequate, arguing that it failed to address the unions' demands.


The unions have also accused university councils, the Ministry of Education and the National Treasury of failing to honour a return-to-work agreement signed in November 2025. The alleged failure has heightened tensions between lecturers and the government, making it difficult to reach a lasting settlement.


Meanwhile, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has urged lecturers to resume teaching, maintaining that outstanding arrears from previous collective bargaining agreements have been cleared.


However, the unions insist that their concerns remain unresolved, highlighting the significant differences between the two sides.


The continued strike has disrupted learning in public universities, leaving students uncertain about when lectures and other academic activities will resume. A prolonged impasse could also force institutions to adjust their academic calendars and examination schedules.


Attention now turns to whether the government and university staff unions can return to the negotiating table and agree on terms acceptable to both parties.


The rejection of the KSh 12 billion offer underscores the depth of the dispute. Until a mutually acceptable agreement is reached, uncertainty will continue to surround the resumption of normal academic activities in Kenya's public universities.