
Ogamba Urges University Lecturers Back as CBA Talks Continue
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba urged striking public university lecturers to return to work on October 5, 2026, saying negotiations over the 2025–2029 collective bargaining agreement (CBA) were continuing. The unions’ strike information page still listed the nationwide action as in progress on October 9.
What the government said
Ogamba said the government was addressing outstanding issues through negotiations and asked lecturers to comply with court orders suspending the strike. He also said arrears under the 2017–2021 and 2021–2025 agreements had been cleared. Those earlier CBAs are separate from the 2025–2029 agreement at the centre of the current dispute.
Why the strike is continuing
UASU, KUSU and KUDHEIHA have raised concerns about concluding and implementing the new CBA, including how it will be funded. Government calls for staff to return and continuing talks do not by themselves confirm that the unions have suspended industrial action.
What students should rely on
Universities may differ in how the strike affects classes, examinations and administrative services. Students should check their institution’s official portal, email and department notices before travelling or relying on a new academic date.
For current strike status and practical student guidance, see our latest university strike update.
Sources
- Kenya News Agency: Ogamba’s October 6 remarks and negotiations
- UASU-TUM strike information centre
- The Star: government statement on court orders and earlier CBA arrears
Status checked October 9, 2026.
