Learning has been disrupted in public universities across Kenya since Friday, October 2, 2026, after lecturers downed their tools over a dispute concerning the 2025–2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). The strike has left thousands of students stranded, raising concerns about delayed graduations and the additional financial burden on parents.
Parents are now facing extra expenses as their children remain in university towns without attending lectures. Despite the disruption, families may still have to cater for accommodation, food, transport, and other essential needs. This has placed additional pressure on parents who are already struggling with the high cost of living.
Meanwhile, students are increasingly concerned about their academic progress, particularly those approaching graduation. The disruption could affect examination schedules, industrial attachments, research projects, and graduation ceremonies if the strike continues. First-year students may also face difficulties adjusting to university life amid uncertainty surrounding the 2026/2027 academic calendar.
As the strike persists, concerns are also growing over students’ mental well-being. Some may experience stress, frustration, anxiety, and uncertainty about their academic future. Those who rely on university facilities, including libraries, and structured academic programmes may find it difficult to remain productive during the disruption. At the same time, businesses that depend on students, such as restaurants, rental property owners, stationery shops, and transport operators, may experience reduced income as some students return home.
Despite the disruption, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has appealed to lecturers to comply with court orders and return to class as dialogue continues. He has also maintained that the government is committed to concluding the CBA negotiations.
However, the strike entered its second week on October 12, 2026, after union officials rejected the government’s KSh 12 billion salary counteroffer. The lecturers maintained that they would not return to lecture halls until their outstanding demands were addressed comprehensively.
The Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) Secretary-General, Dr. Constantine Wasonga, has maintained that the strike will continue until a signed, registered, and implementable CBA is delivered.
