Imminent University Lecturers Strike: CBA Proposal and Key Demands.
University lecturers across public institutions are preparing for a nationwide strike on September 18, 2024. This comes after the ongoing delay in implementing their proposed Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which dates back to 2020. The Universities Academic Staff Union (Uasu) issued a strike notice after failed negotiations with the Inter-Public Universities Councils Consultative Forum (IPUCCF), overseen by the Ministry of Labour. With no resolution in sight, lecturers are pushing for their demands to be met, particularly concerning salary raises, improved working conditions, and other grievances.
CBA Proposal: Key Salary Demands
A significant element of the CBA is the demand for salary increases. Uasu is advocating for a substantial raise, aiming to boost the pay of the lowest-paid lecturers from Sh57,729 to Sh99,650, and the highest-paid professors from Sh209,694 to Sh338,146. By the end of the 2021-2025 cycle, they expect the lowest-paid lecturer to earn Sh145,702 and the highest-paid professor Sh494,415.
The table below highlights these proposed salary changes:
| Lecturer Position | Current Salary (Sh) | Proposed Salary (Sh) | Final 2025 Salary (Sh) |
| Graduate Assistant | 57,729 | 99,650 | 145,702 |
| Professor | 209,694 | 338,146 | 494,415 |
Uasu’s salary proposal addresses long-standing disparities and calls for fair compensation. The union believes this is essential for attracting and retaining qualified teaching staff in public universities.
Additional Concerns: House Allowances and Benefits
Beyond salary adjustments, lecturers are also demanding better house allowances. Uasu has proposed raising the monthly allowance for professors from Sh73,715 to over Sh116,000. Furthermore, they are pushing for the full implementation of the 2017-2021 CBA, which they argue has not been properly enforced in some universities.
Follow us on X: Education Point Kenya.
In addition to housing, Uasu seeks a non-contributory medical scheme to cover lecturers, their spouses, and up to five children under the age of 25. This scheme would provide access to both local and international specialist medical treatment. Lecturers are also calling for an increase in the retirement age to 75, with an option for voluntary retirement at 50.
Uasu’s demands extend to leave entitlements and promotion guidelines. The union has proposed 60 days of fully paid annual leave for teaching staff, including pro-rated leave for newly hired employees. They are also advocating for postponed leave to be carried over into the following year.
Read also: President Ruto Announces 200,000 Climate WorX Jobs: Application Guide
When it comes to promotions, Uasu insists that the process be transparent and based on clear criteria, including academic qualifications, research publications, and postgraduate studies. The union wants to ensure that promotion decisions are made fairly and without bias, and that lecturers receive timely feedback on their promotion status. Those dissatisfied with the outcome could appeal to the Promotion and Appraisals Committee, which would provide a response within 14 days.
| Demand | Current Status | Proposed Change |
| House Allowance | Sh73,715 for professors | Increase to over Sh116,000 |
| Retirement Age | Not clearly defined | Raised to 75, voluntary at 50 |
| Medical Scheme | Contributory, limited coverage | Non-contributory, covers staff and dependents |
| Annual Leave | Varies by institution | 60 days of full paid leave |
| Promotion Criteria | Unclear and inconsistent | Clear, based on qualifications |
Impact of the Strike and Previous Protests
The upcoming strike threatens to disrupt operations in all 35 public universities and three constituent colleges. If the strike proceeds, around 30,000 university employees will stop working, halting classes, research, and administration. Uasu argues that the government has failed to uphold fair pay, citing Article 41-2A of the Kenyan Constitution, which guarantees fair remuneration.
Read also: Pressure Mounts on CS Ogamba and PS Kipsang After Endarasha School Tragedy
This strike notice is part of a pattern of unrest in Kenya’s public universities. Moi University lecturers went on strike in August 2024 over delayed salaries and unremitted deductions, amounting to Sh4.1 billion. Similarly, Egerton University faced lecturer protests in October 2022 due to unpaid salaries and unremitted deductions. These strikes, along with others in 2020 and 2021, have caused significant delays in academic programs, leading to missed graduation ceremonies and student dissatisfaction.
As the strike date approaches, the pressure on the government to address the lecturers’ demands intensifies. The CBA proposal reflects broader issues within Kenya’s higher education system, particularly concerning fair pay, better working conditions, and transparent promotion processes. Unless both sides reach an agreement soon, Kenya’s public universities face yet another major disruption.
Imminent University Lecturers Strike: CBA Proposal and Key Demands.
Check for Daily Updates
Follow us on Telegram