University lecturers’ strike: Inside Ksh98B pay dispute putting treasury under pressure

Kenya's university lecturers’ strike has exposed a funding deadlock, with unions demanding a binding Treasury commitment before agreeing to a new pay deal. The Universities Academic Staff Union (Uasu), Kenya Universities Staff Union (Kusu) and Kudheiha are seeking a written guarantee that the government will fund the 2025-2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

The dispute revolves around differing financial demands, unpaid salary arrears, and disagreements over who should finance university employees' salaries. The government initially offered Ksh9.76 billion, which was rejected by the unions who demand Ksh98 billion. Additionally, the unions claim Ksh7.9 billion remains unpaid under previous agreements.

The central issue is whether the government can reach a settlement and provide the necessary funding. The unions have rejected reliance on student fees and universities' own-source revenue, arguing that public university employees should receive salaries through an accountable public funding arrangement. The funding issue extends beyond salaries, with university managers warning of substantial financial pressures that existing allocations cannot cover.

The Public Universities Vice-Chancellors Committee reported a funding shortfall exceeding Ksh100 billion. The dispute raises questions about the cost of the new CBA, the source of funding, and how the government will guarantee implementation. The unions are seeking full payment of Ksh7.9 billion in outstanding salary arrears and other adjustments under the new agreement. Without detailed costings, the headline figures alone cannot determine the full financial gap.