The industrial action, which began on 2 October, was launched by the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) and the Kenya University Staff Union (KUSU) after the government failed to fully implement the 2025‑2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement.

During recent street demonstrations, lecturers from several Kenyan universities appeared in flowing, brightly coloured deras, with both men and women taking part in the visual protest.

Videos and images circulating on social media captured the demonstrators moving through town centres in the traditional attire.

The colourful demonstrations have succeeded in drawing public curiosity, while the core issues of employment agreements and remuneration remain unresolved.

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has appealed to union members to suspend industrial action and allow negotiations to proceed.

University administrators warned that a prolonged deadlock could cause significant disruption to examinations, graduation ceremonies and the intake of new students across the higher‑education sector.

In a separate incident, Machakos University lecturers stormed an ongoing Zoom class and pressured a colleague to end the lesson, citing the industrial action.

The strike is driven by demands for full implementation of the 2025‑2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement, resolution of salary grievances and a sustainable funding model for public universities.