Peaceful protests in Nairobi as lecturers’ strike persists
By David Nthua, October 8, 2025A section of striking lecturers have staged peaceful protests, or rather a march in Nairobi CBD, asking the Kenyan government to fulfil their grievances.
Leading the march on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, was Constantine Wesonga, who asked the Ministry of Education and the government at large to stop carrying them for a ride.
It was also resolved that no lecturer will get back to class until the government releases the full amount owed to them.
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Lecturers demand funds release
The lecturers, drawn from public universities across the country, gathered at the University of Nairobi’s Chancellor’s Square before marching to Parliament Buildings, the National Treasury, and finally to the Ministry of Education offices at Jogoo House.
The demonstration marked the fourth week since the lecturers downed their tools over unpaid dues from the 2017 to 2021 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
Speaking during the peaceful march, University Academic Staff Union (UASU) Secretary-General Constantine Wesonga maintained that the strike would continue until the government fulfils its financial obligations.
“We already know what tomorrow’s outcome will be. We will table our audit, take tea, and return, because this strike will not end until Sh7.1 billion hits our accounts,” said Wesonga.
He further stressed that lecturers were demanding the full implementation of the CBA, which he said has already lost value over time due to government delays.
“We are marching for victory today. On the 2017–2021 CBA, our demand is clear: we want the full Sh7.9 billion implemented. Four years down the line, its value has already depreciated,” Wesonga said.
Union leaders pressure govt
KUSU Secretary-General Charles Mukhwaya, who joined the demonstration, expressed frustration over how the negotiations have been handled.
“Today, we want to tell the Ministry of Education, Parliament, and the Treasury that the CBA is our business,” Mukhwaya said, adding that lecturers would not resume duty until the government meets their demands.
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The unions acknowledged that Sh2.73 billion had been released earlier but insisted that the remaining Sh7.9 billion must be paid in full before new negotiations for the 2025 to 2029 CBA begin.
“They had committed to harmonising our allowances, but now they are suggesting a reduction instead. Unfortunately, we are headed for a prolonged strike,” Wesonga said.
UASU National Chairperson Grace Nyongesa also reaffirmed that learning in 42 public universities will remain paralysed until the dispute is resolved.