Resumption of Academic Activities in Kenyan Public Universities
Public universities in Kenya have officially announced the resumption of academic activities following a significant settlement deal that ended a seven-week nationwide strike. The agreement, valued at Sh7.8 billion, has paved the way for lecturers to return to work, marking a crucial step toward restoring normal operations across the higher education sector.
At Kenyatta University, the Registrar (Academic), Prof. Benard Kivunge, issued a circular stating that all First Semester activities for the 2025/2026 Academic Year will resume on Monday, November 10. He urged students to report without fail, emphasizing the importance of returning to classes promptly.
“Following the calling off of the industrial action by members of staff in the University on 6th November 2025, all activities for the First Semester are expected to resume immediately,” Prof. Kivunge stated in the notice dated November 6.
Similarly, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) instructed all students to report back on Friday, November 7, ahead of class resumption on Monday, November 10, 2025. The notice, signed by Prof. Robert Kinyua, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), highlighted the need for students to return to campus as soon as possible.
“Following the calling off of the industrial action by the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) and the Kenya University Staff Union (KUSU), all students are hereby requested to report back to the University on Friday, 7th November 2025. Classes will resume on Monday, 10th November 2025,” the notice read.
JKUAT also expressed gratitude to students for their patience during the disruption, reaffirming its commitment to ensuring a “smooth continuation of academic programmes.”
The Settlement Deal with the Ministry of Education
The resumption notices were issued after the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) and the Inter-Public Universities Councils’ Consultative Forum (IPUCCF) signed a Return-to-Work Formula (RTWF) on Wednesday. This agreement restored normal operations in all public universities and constituent colleges.
The deal, witnessed by top university leaders at the Ministry of Education, guarantees several key provisions. These include the reinstatement of all staff, protection from victimisation, and full payment of withheld salaries and benefits.
Under the terms of the agreement, UASU agreed to immediately call off the strike, while IPUCCF undertook to withdraw all disciplinary measures issued during the industrial action.
“Any disciplinary or intended disciplinary actions, including but not limited to show cause letters, warning letters, interdictions, suspensions or dismissals, are hereby withdrawn unconditionally and revoked with immediate effect,” the agreement states.
It further affirms that no staff will lose jobs or benefits, and that all withheld pay for September and October 2025 will be released by Monday, November 10, with pay for the first five days of November also guaranteed.
Financial Implications and Future Negotiations
The Sh7.8 billion package covers arrears under the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), including Sh2.73 billion in Phase Two settlements now marked as cleared, pending verification by Joint Local Implementation Committees.
The agreement also directs that universities collaborate with UASU to recover lost teaching time and maintain academic quality following the seven-week interruption.
Negotiations for the 2025-2029 CBA will begin within 30 days and will include UASU, KUSU, and KUDHEIHA Workers.
The document, signed by Prof. Bosire Monari Mwebi, Prof. Daniel Mugendi, and Prof. Fred Simiyu Barasa for the IPUCCF, and witnessed by Prof. Romanus Odhiambo, Prof. Kamau Ngamau, and Prof. Mary Ndung’u, will be filed in the Employment and Labour Relations Court as part of a consent settlement in Cause No. ELRC CBA E214 of 2025.