Lecturers: We will take Sh4.3bn but State must commit to paying remaining Sh5.4bn
By Lucy Mumbi |
Despite the directive, Wasonga remained adamant that industrial action would continue until all funds were accounted for.
The Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) has announced that it will accept the Sh4.3 billion offered by the National Treasury, but only if the government commits to paying the remaining Sh5.4 billion. The union is demanding Sh9.7 billion.
While addressing the National Assembly Education Committee on Wednesday, UASU Secretary-General Constantine Wasonga emphasised that the union requires a clear timeline for the disbursement of the outstanding funds to fully implement the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
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“UASU accepts the Sh4.3 billion, but the government must commit to paying the Sh5.4 billion in two instalments: half in the 2025/2026 financial year and the remainder in 2026/2027,” Wasonga said.
The chair of the House Education Committee, Julius Melly, directed stakeholders to reach a consensus and sign a formal agreement to implement the CBA, urging all parties to consider the plight of students.
“We are instructing all parties to meet and agree on calling off the strike so students can resume learning as early as tomorrow,” Melly, who is also the Tinderet MP, said.
Despite the directive, Wasonga remained adamant that industrial action would continue until all funds were accounted for.
Speaking to the media outside Parliament, he reiterated that the union would only stand down once the government provided a concrete plan to settle the Sh5.4 billion shortfall.
“The strike is on until we get the Sh9.7 billion. We have taken the Sh4.3 billion, but the government must tell us how we are getting the Sh5.4 billion. It will not be done verbally,” he said.
Wasonga also encouraged union members to remain steadfast. “I want to tell UASU members: strike until you get money in your bank account,” he added.
The union's demands emerged during a meeting involving the National Assembly Education Committee, the Principal Secretary for Higher Education Beatrice Inyangala, Labour Principal Secretary Shadrack Mwadime, and members of the Inter-Public Universities Council Consultative Forum.
The ongoing strike has caused widespread frustration among university students and parents, who are urging both sides to resolve the dispute.
Many students remain stranded on campuses without access to learning or essential support, a situation that has sparked concerns over their mental and emotional well-being.
Last week, Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah appealed to the government and the lecturers to resolve the standoff, describing the impact on students as devastating.
“The students, unfortunately, remain the most affected by this deadlock. Many are confined to campuses with no access to classes, food, or essential support, leaving them vulnerable and frustrated," Omtatah said.
He called on the government and UASU to prioritise the needs of students and the nation’s future by engaging in urgent and sincere dialogue to resolve the issues and restore normalcy in universities.
As pressure mounts on both parties, the demand for a swift resolution grows, with academic activities remaining paralysed.
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