MPs push for quick end to university lecturers’ strike
During a march outside the University of Nairobi on Wednesday, UASU National Chairperson Grace Nyongesa said lecturers would not return to work until the dispute is resolved.
The Ministry of Education has come under pressure from Members of the National Assembly (MPs) to expedite negotiations with university lecturers’ unions and end the ongoing strike that has crippled learning in public universities across the country.
During a plenary session on Wednesday, Gilgil MP Martha Wangari sought clarification from Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba on the measures being taken to resolve the stalemate between the government, the University Academic Staff Union (UASU), the Kenya University Staff Union (KUSU), and the Kenya Union of Domestic, Hotels, Educational Institutions, Hospitals and Allied Workers (KUDHEIHA).
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In his response, CS Ogamba told the House that the Government had substantially implemented the 2021–2025 Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs), whose total financial requirement stands at Sh9.76 billion, disbursed in three phases.
“Sh4.3 billion was released for the period October 2024 to June 2025, and another Sh2.73 billion has been disbursed for the 2025/2026 Financial Year. The remaining Sh2.73 billion will be paid in the next financial year as scheduled,” said Ogamba.
He explained that the 2017–2021 CBA remains under dispute, with the unions claiming an outstanding balance of Sh7.9 billion, while the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) maintains that only Sh624 million is pending after salary adjustments were taken into account.
“This difference in interpretation is a matter we are ready to resolve amicably through objective discussions,” the CS said, adding that the matter is currently under conciliation as directed by the Employment and Labour Relations Court.
However, several MPs expressed dissatisfaction with the Ministry’s explanation, accusing it of dragging its feet in addressing the long-standing pay dispute. Kitutu Masaba MP Clive Gesairo questioned the credibility of the Ministry’s figures, accusing it of “hiding behind the SRC”.
“This is not the first time the Ministry has contradicted itself. The Office of the Attorney General has already advised that balances owed under the 2017–2021 CBA be paid. Our young people are at home, and lecturers are on the streets,” said Gesairo.
Funyula MP Wilberforce Oundo, a former university lecturer, also appealed for urgent action, saying it was disheartening to see universities closed.“As a former lecturer, it saddens me to see my colleagues on the streets. Can the Ministry assure this House that the negotiations will be concluded this week so that lecturers and students go back to class?” he posed.
Ogamba reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to fully implementing the 2021–2025 CBA and beginning negotiations for the 2025–2029 agreement once the SRC provides new guidelines.
“Most of the key issues raised by the unions have been addressed. What remains is to verify the exact balance under the 2017–2021 CBA, which requires an objective audit process,” he stated. The House urged the Ministry to fast-track consultations with all stakeholders to ensure learning resumes in public universities without further disruption.
Meanwhile, university students will continue to bear the brunt of the ongoing lecturers’ strike, which has paralysed learning in public universities for the fourth consecutive week.
The industrial action shows no sign of ending, as lecturers insist the government must pay Sh7.9 billion owed under the 2017–2021 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) before returning to class.
During a march outside the University of Nairobi on Wednesday, UASU National Chairperson Grace Nyongesa said lecturers would not return to work until the dispute is resolved.
“We are marching for victory today on the issues we are fighting for. On the 2017–2021 CBA, our demand is clear: we want the full Sh7.9 billion implemented, and we will negotiate for that CBA in total. Four years down the line, its value has already depreciated,” she said.
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