Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba is this morning locked in high-stakes negotiations with leaders of public university unions at Jogoo House in a bid to end the nationwide strike that has paralyzed learning in universities across Kenya.
The closed-door meeting, which began at 8 a.m., brings together top officials from the University Academic Staff Union (UASU), the Inter-Public Universities Councils Consultative Forum (IPUCCF), the Kenya Universities Staff Union (KUSU), and KUDEIHA. According to the Ministry of Education, the parties are expected to jointly address journalists once the discussions conclude.
“We cordially invite members of the press for a briefing this morning at 9 a.m. at Jogoo House, 10th floor,” read a ministry notice issued earlier.
The meeting comes a day after a tense but encouraging session before the National Assembly Education Committee, where unions hinted at the possibility of compromise — but only if the government meets key demands.
UASU Secretary General Constantine Wasonga told lawmakers that the union would reconvene within 48 hours to review elements of the industrial action. However, he demanded a formal apology from the Ministry of Education over alleged intimidation of striking staff.
Wasonga also stood firm on the union’s proposed 80:20 payment plan for arrears, rejecting the government’s earlier 50:50 offer. “We cannot accept an arrangement that leads to recurring strikes every time payments are phased,” he said, warning that partial settlements without clear timelines would only breed more unrest.
KUSU Secretary General Charles Mukhwaya, meanwhile, blamed university managements for poor planning and financial mismanagement, urging Parliament to enforce stronger governance standards.
The unions are also pushing for immediate commencement of negotiations for the 2025–2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and full implementation of previous deals.
Education Committee Chair Julius Melly cautioned that prolonged disruption risks derailing the academic calendar, research programs, and graduation timelines.
As the talks continue, the nation’s attention remains fixed on Jogoo House, where a breakthrough could restore normalcy to Kenya’s public universities.
