Learning to be Paralyzed at University of Eldoret as UASU Prepares to Strike
UASU Secretary General Constantine Wesonga /File Photo
Learning at the University of Eldoret (UoE) is expected to come to a standstill on Wednesday, September 17, after the University chapter of the Universities’ Academic Staff Union (UASU) declared its intent to join other striking dons—most notably at Moi University—in pressing for unpaid dues and the implementation of their Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
UASU has issued a seven-day strike notice to all public university councils and constituent colleges. Among the main grievances are:
- Arrears: The union claims that the government has failed to implement Phase Two of the 2021-2025 CBA, leaving arrears amounting to KSh 2.73 billion unpaid for the 2025-26 financial year.
- Non-implementation of past court rulings and CBAs: Agreements from the 2017-2021 period, upheld by the Employment and Labour Relations Court, have not been honoured.
- Delay in negotiating a new CBA: The 2025-2029 National CBA, which UASU asserts was to be negotiated under the Recognition Agreement with the Inter-Public Universities Councils Consultative Forum (IPUCCF), has yet to be registered or implemented.
UASU’s Secretary-General, Constantine Wasonga, said:
“CBA arrears have accumulated to Sh3.27 billion. … We expected the monies to be paid before the onset of the September term.”
He warned that:
“Further, you are categorically and unequivocally informed that: Our members in all public universities and their constituent colleges, shall withdraw their labour … until the three (3) issues raised in the Written Strike Notice are addressed.”
The University of Eldoret’s move comes amid ongoing unrest at Moi University, where dons have already downed tools. At Moi, UASU officials say management has ignored a 25-clause return-to-work formula agreed on November 30, 2024, including delayed payment of salaries for June and July 2025, unremitted pension contributions, and other long-standing benefits.
Busolo Wekesa, UASU Secretary for the Moi chapter, said:
“They have ignored all that we agreed, and we have decided we will not engage in futile negotiations as we continue to suffer.”
Vice-Chair Linda Khaemba added:
“We wonder what message we are giving young people who see their lecturers suffering without any dignity … It’s becoming difficult to go to class … yet they can see how we are struggling.”
At UoE, UASU’s chapter leadership is expected officially to declare the strike’s commencement, aligning with the national union’s timeline. Should the strike proceed as planned, all lectures and related academic services will be suspended until the government and relevant bodies address the outstanding issues.
The union insists this is not a demand for new terms but for implementation of existing, legally binding agreements.
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