University lecturers call off strike after govt pledges to implement CBA
By Maureen Kinyanjui |
This decision followed the government's assurance to implement the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement, initially valued at Sh9.76 billion.
The Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) on Saturday, officially called off its strike, which had paralysed university operations across the country since September.
This decision followed the government's assurance to implement the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), initially valued at Sh9.76 billion.
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Key to the agreement was the National Treasury's commitment to allocate Sh4.3 billion in the Financial Year 2024-2025 under Supplementary Estimates II.
The remaining Sh5.46 billion is expected to be paid over the next two financial years.
UASU Secretary General Constantine Wasonga expressed the union's conditional acceptance of the offer.
"UASU agrees to take Sh4.3 billion immediately, but the government must agree to pay the balance. In 2025/26, we will be paid half of Sh5.46 billion, and in 2026/27, the remaining half. We must agree on how to negotiate other items on the Return to Work Formula," he said during a meeting held on Thursday.
The resolution to end the strike came after intense negotiations involving UASU representatives, the Inter-Public Universities Council Consultative Forum (IPUCCF), the Inter-Ministerial Committee, and the National Assembly Committee on Education.
During the discussions, Tinderet MP Julius Melly highlighted the importance of restoring normalcy in universities.
"Students are waiting to graduate, and parents have paid fees. It's time for parties to compromise for the sake of our education system," he stated.
Formal guarantee
Similarly, Nyamira MP Jerusha Momanyi urged the government to provide a formal guarantee for the remaining payments.
"This is the fourth meeting on this matter. Now that we have Sh4.3 billion on the table, the Ministry of Education and Labour should commit to clearing the balance," she emphasized.
As part of the deal, both parties agreed to withdraw all legal petitions filed during the strike and ensure that lost time is recovered.
The lecturers' strike, which began on September 18, 2024, followed failed negotiations between the government and union representatives.
Many universities were forced to send students home, disrupting academic calendars and delaying graduations.
With this agreement in place, universities are expected to resume normal operations immediately, providing relief to students and parents alike.
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