NAIROBI, Kenya — October 28, 2026
University lecturers and the government have reached an agreement worth approximately KSh20 billion to resolve the ongoing nationwide strike that has disrupted learning in public universities for nearly four weeks.
The breakthrough has raised hopes that thousands of students could return to class on Monday, November 2, following weeks of uncertainty over the academic calendar.
According to reports published by The Standard and Uzalendo News on Wednesday, October 28, the agreement is expected to be formally signed on Friday, October 30.
The dispute has centred on the 2025–2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which covers salary adjustments and other employment benefits for university staff.
The strike began on October 2 after negotiations between the unions and the government failed to produce an acceptable settlement.
Government and Unions Reach KSh20 Billion Agreement
The Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU), Kenya Universities Staff Union (KUSU) and other university staff representatives have been pushing for a settlement that addresses their outstanding demands.
The latest agreement, estimated at KSh20 billion, marks a significant increase from the government’s earlier proposal of approximately KSh11.96 billion, which the unions had rejected as inadequate.
The unions had argued that the earlier offer did not sufficiently address salary adjustments, allowances and other components of the four-year collective bargaining agreement.
The new figure is expected to provide a basis for resolving the dispute, although the detailed breakdown of the package and the full implementation terms still require confirmation.
Deal Expected to Be Signed on Friday
Reports indicate that the parties are expected to complete the formal signing process on Friday, October 30.
Uzalendo News, citing a Ministry official, reported that the government is expected to disburse the money in three phases.
The payment schedule and the precise obligations of each party will be important in determining whether the agreement fully resolves the dispute.
The unions have previously insisted that any settlement must be properly negotiated, documented and implemented rather than remaining a verbal commitment.
Formal signing would therefore be an important step towards restoring industrial peace in public universities.
Classes Expected to Resume on Monday
The anticipated agreement has raised hopes that learning could resume on Monday, November 2.
Thousands of students have been affected by the strike, with lectures suspended and academic programmes disrupted across public universities.
The industrial action has also put pressure on university calendars, examinations and graduation plans, leaving students and parents uncertain about when normal activities would return.
If the agreement is signed and the unions formally call off the strike, universities could begin arrangements to resume teaching.
However, students should continue checking official communication from their respective institutions for confirmation of reopening instructions, revised timetables and any changes to examinations.
Why Lecturers Went on Strike
The dispute arose from disagreements over the 2025–2029 CBA and the amount of funding allocated to implement its terms.
The unions argued that the government’s initial financial proposal was insufficient to meet their demands, including salary adjustments and allowances.
They also raised concerns about the process used to negotiate the agreement and called for firm commitments on funding and implementation.
Previous rounds of talks failed to resolve the disagreement, prolonging the disruption and increasing pressure on both sides to reach a settlement.
The reported KSh20 billion package could provide a way forward, but its long-term impact will depend on the final agreement and whether the parties meet their commitments.
What Students Should Know
For students waiting to return to campus, the expected signing is an encouraging development, but the formal conclusion of the strike remains important.
Students are advised to:
- Monitor official notices from their universities.
- Confirm the reopening date with their respective faculties and departments.
- Wait for official examination and lecture timetables.
- Avoid relying solely on unverified social media messages about reopening.
The coming days will be crucial as lecturers and the government move towards formalising the deal and determining the steps needed to restore normal university operations.
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