University staff in Kenya have begun a strike after negotiations over a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) reached a deadlock. The walkout follows the rejection of an employer counter-offer, with staff unions demanding changes to salaries, allowances, and medical cover.
The strike, which began on Monday, involves lecturers and administrative staff across multiple universities. The unions claim the initial offer did not meet the minimum requirements set by the Kenyan government. The dispute centers on salary increases, performance-based allowances, and improved healthcare benefits.
This is the second round of negotiations since August 2023, during which the universities initially proposed a 15% salary increase. The employer, representing the university management, countered with a 7% offer, which the unions rejected. The current impasse has led to the decision to suspend academic activities until a resolution is reached.
The ongoing strike highlights the challenges in balancing institutional budgets with staff expectations. Previous strikes in 2022 led to partial salary hikes, but current demands remain unmet. The situation reflects broader tensions in public sector negotiations across Kenya, where inflation and rising living costs have intensified workforce demands.
