UASU, KUSU reject revised offer as lecturers' strike hits day 39
UASU and KUSU maintain that no negotiations will take place unless the government first pays the full amount and signs a binding return-to-work formula.
The stalemate between public university lecturers and the government has escalated after union officials rejected a revised offer during a meeting held in Machakos.
The lecturers, who have been on strike for 39 days, insist that they will not resume duty until the government clears the entire Sh7.9 billion they are owed.
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The Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) and the Kenya University Staff Union (KUSU) maintain that no negotiations will take place unless the government first pays the full amount and signs a binding return-to-work formula.
“We shall not call off the strike unless we negotiate and sign, and the due of Sh7.9 billion should be paid in full,” Wasonga said
Union leaders accuse the Ministry of Education of mishandling the crisis, which has left students stranded and learning paralysed across public universities for nearly two months. They want the government to take responsibility for the prolonged standoff.
“The government also has to compensate the university students for the time wasted. The government has pushed the UASU and KUSU to be on strike,” said Charles Mukhwaya,
KUSU Secretary General.
“Sh7.9 billion be paid at once before the return-to-work formula is put on the table. No retreat, no surrender,” he added.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba said the ministry is still in talks with the lecturers to find a lasting solution to the dispute. He noted that while the government has not refused to pay, the disagreement over the actual amount remains unresolved.
“Our learners are suffering out there just because the government has not refused to pay, but just the amount of money to be paid,” Ogamba said.
Some universities have warned striking lecturers of disciplinary action and issued show-cause letters, but union leaders have dismissed the threats, urging members to remain united until their demands are met.
“Anybody threatening the lecturers with show cause should stop immediately. We are ready for negotiation, but now that they have accepted,” Wasonga said
UASU and KUSU have also faulted the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), accusing it of misleading the government and frustrating efforts to resolve the matter.
“SRC should be disbanded as it is misadvising the government wrongly. This matter should be concluded immediately by the government paying in full,” Mukhwaya stated.
The unions have already turned down the government’s Sh3.5 billion proposal, saying it falls short of what lecturers are owed.
As the impasse drags on, learning in public universities remains at a standstill, with students bearing the biggest loss.
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