Kibabii University is facing a critical crisis as faculty members and staff unite in a strike led by the University Academic Staff Union (UASU) and the Kenya University Workers Union (KUSU). This unprecedented action, initiated in response to the government’s failure to fulfill commitments made since 2017, has now expanded as other public universities across Kenya join in solidarity, demanding the implementation of the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
The background to this strike is rooted in a long-standing struggle for better working conditions and fair compensation for university staff. Despite numerous promises from the government, essential agreements have remained unfulfilled, leading to mounting frustration among educators. The situation has escalated, prompting staff at universities nationwide to unite in their call for justice.
Nyukuri Wanjala, Secretary-General of the Kibabii chapter of UASU, has urged students and parents to remain calm as they advocate for their rights, particularly concerning unfair charges like housing fees that have become a point of contention.
As the strike unfolds, workers are resolute amid mounting economic pressures, emphasizing the urgent need for constructive dialogue and swift resolution. With students and staff alike feeling the impact of these unresolved issues, the strike not only threatens the academic calendar at Kibabii University but also reflects a larger movement for change across the country’s higher education system.
