All teaching and non-teaching staff at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) have been warned that they will face the full wrath of their colleagues if found in lecture halls, offices or other workplaces during an indefinite strike.

The warning was issued by university workers’ union officials during the launch of the industrial strike at the university’s Graduation Pavilion.

Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) JKUAT Chapter chairman Dr Muiga Rugara and KUDHEIHA JKUAT Chapter chairman Christopher Malala said any staff member found working during the strike would face action from colleagues.

Teaching and other academic activities at JKUAT have been paralysed after lecturers and other university staff began the indefinite strike over the delayed implementation of the 2025–2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

Rugara directed academic staff to stay away from lecture halls, while other union officials urged non-teaching staff to remain away from their workplaces until the workers’ grievances are addressed.

Students were also advised to leave the university as the unions pressed the government to fully implement the agreed terms of the CBA.

The workers accused the government of failing to honour key provisions of the 2025–2029 agreement, citing concerns over salary increments, increased taxation and the rising cost of living.

They said their earnings had failed to keep pace with inflation, with the rising cost of basic goods and services continuing to erode their purchasing power.

The staff also raised concerns over their deteriorating living standards and working conditions, with some comparing their remuneration unfavourably with that of secondary school teachers.

The unions maintained that the strike would continue until the outstanding provisions of the CBA are fully implemented.