The Universities Academic Staff Union, Kenya Universities Staff Union and KUDHEIHA signed a return‑to‑work formula with the government on Friday, Oct 30, formally ending the industrial action that began on Oct 2 and had halted teaching, learning and research in public universities.

The deal, witnessed by Principal Secretary for Higher Education Dr Beatrice Muganda Inyangala, includes a 3.5 percent yearly rise in basic salaries for four years, starting 5 July 2025, together with a 5 percent increase in automatic salary increments each year.

Funding of Sh20 billion will be released in three equal parts: Sh6.7 billion for the 2026/2027 fiscal year, another Sh6.7 billion for 2027/2028 and the final Sh6.6 billion for 2028/2029.

Monthly commuter allowances for the lowest staff cadre will be harmonised from Sh3,500 to Sh18,000, improving overall remuneration packages.

UASU Secretary‑General Dr Constantine Wasonga said the settlement protects employees from victimisation related to the strike and mandates the withdrawal of all disciplinary actions taken during the dispute; contract staff will also have their renewal prospects safeguarded.

Wasonga apologised to students for the interruption and urged them to be ready for classes to recommence on Monday, confirming that lecture halls will be staffed with lecturers.

Principal Secretary Inyangala described the agreement as a milestone for university staff welfare and said university management will collaborate with staff and students to adjust academic calendars and recover lost teaching time.

She added that, with the dispute settled, all university personnel are expected to resume duties immediately to restore normal academic operations.