UASU warns of strike unless Egerton University clears Ksh2B salary arrears
By Mabonga Makhanu, July 7, 2026The Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) has threatened to call a strike if Egerton University fails to address grievances raised by its lecturers, including the payment of more than Ksh2 billion in salary arrears.
Speaking after a crisis meeting on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, UASU Egerton Chapter Secretary Grace Kibue accused the university management of failing to implement the 2018-2021 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), despite court orders directing that the agreement be honoured.
Kibue said the institution owes lecturers more than Ksh2 billion in salary arrears dating back to 2018, which the management now refers to as “pending bills”.
“The university has not paid our salary arrears dating back to 2018, amounting to over Ksh2 billion, in what the management now calls pending bills.” Yet selective payment of the same continues, with even the CEO himself being a beneficiary,” Kibue said.
The union also accused the university of failing to remit statutory and third-party deductions, including medical insurance contributions, SACCO deductions and other payments, leaving staff exposed to financial hardship.
Chancellor replacement
According to Kibue, the institution has also repeatedly ignored court orders, resulting in prolonged legal disputes between the university and its employees.
UASU further demanded the immediate replacement of the acting vice-chancellor and called for a clear succession plan for the substantive vice-chancellor, who is expected to retire in October 2026. The union stated that the lack of leadership certainty has exacerbated the challenges facing the institution. The union has also noted that the standoff has caused massive resignations among the varsity staff and mental health issues due to financial problems
2025 university lectures strike
The latest standoff comes less than a year after university lecturers staged a months-long strike over similar grievances, including the implementation of the CBA and payment of outstanding dues. The industrial action disrupted learning for weeks, with lecturers refusing to resume teaching until their demands were addressed.
The union warned that unless the university and the government move with speed to resolve the issues, lecturers will have no option but to down their tools once again.