At the University of Nairobi, staff accuse the government of ignoring repeated appeals and negotiations.
UASU chapter secretary Maloba Wekesa said the strike had become the only way tutors could survive after years of broken promises.
"The inability of the government to measure up to the expectations of what our education should be has been forcing tutors to the streets. The strike is the way of survival," noted Wekesa, adding, "he staff are owed 52 months in salary arrears."
At Multimedia University, KUSU chairman Omondi Kosano declared that workers had lost patience.
"We cannot predict ending the strike any time soon. We can only do so when the government realises and comes to a serious mind to honour our money. We are going to paralyse learning in our institutions. We officially launch our strike," said Kosano.
Kosano explained that the government had failed to fulfil the 2017/2021 CBA, amounting to Sh8 billion, and had not paid the second and third phases of the 2021/2025 CBA despite agreeing to settle them in instalments.
The strike has halted lectures, library services and examinations, with students fearing prolonged disruption. The unions have vowed not to return to work until the arrears are settled, increasing pressure on the Ministry of Education to intervene.
Galfen Muse, Secretary KUSU Maasai Mara University said the strike will go on unbated.
"We are here to fight for impunity in the education sector. The government has been playing cat and mouse game. Should the university staff go on strike so that the government can respond?" he questioned.
He urged the government to take dons welfare seriously same way they consider students' demands.
"When you send students to universities, look at the welfare of those taking care of the students. The government has two days to redeem its image before we release the students to go home," he stated.
Other university taken in the strike includes Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) Chapter, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology and Dedan Kimathi University of Technology.