Staff members and lecturers at the University of Nairobi (UoN) on Thursday staged a protest at the main campus, pressing the administration to implement the 2017-2021 internal collective bargaining agreement (CBA) worth Sh424 million.

The demonstration reflects mounting frustration among workers who say the delay in finalising the deal has caused significant financial strain and affected their professional morale nearly eight years after initial negotiations began.

This demonstration comes shortly after lecturers in public universities across Kenya returned to work following a 49-day strike.

The government had committed to clearing Sh7.9 billion owed under the 2017–2021 CBA in two instalments, but UoN staff say the university’s management has been slow to act on similar agreements affecting them.

They submitted a petition demanding immediate action, accusing officials of dragging the process and failing to meet commitments.

According to a circular issued by the Office of the Registrar (Administration) on November 18, the main hurdle has been “major financial constraints” that stalled talks.

Negotiations officially resumed in August 2024 after the university council authorised management to engage union representatives. However, the process collapsed due to disagreements over the funding gap and when the agreement should take effect.

The council had allocated Sh176 million in the 2024/2025 budget to support partial implementation, but calculations show that Sh424 million is needed to fully execute the agreement.

In a statement, the university said, “The university appreciates the patience, understanding and commitment demonstrated by all staff throughout this period,” adding that updates would follow once the council reaches a decision.

Workers argue that delays in signing and implementing the CBA have left staff struggling financially and facing uncertainty about their professional benefits.

They insist that the university must act immediately to close the nearly eight-year-old pay dispute. The protest highlights broader concerns over labour relations and staff welfare at the institution.