The government has stepped up efforts to end the lecturers’ strike that has paralysed learning in public universities for nearly three weeks. Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) Ezekiel Ogamba confirmed on Friday that the State has formally engaged the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) to guide the framework for the 2025–2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
Speaking during the launch of the National Examination and Assessments season, Ogamba said that fresh negotiations will resume on October 6, with hopes that both sides will engage in good faith to resolve the impasse.
“The negotiations for the 2025–2029 CBA are at the preparatory stage, and the SRC has issued the negotiating beacons that will guide the process,” Ogamba stated.
He urged lecturers to resume teaching as talks progress, assuring them that their grievances were being addressed within agreed timelines.
According to the CS, the Inter-Public Universities Councils Consultative Forum (IPUCCF) had convened meetings in September, but the University Academic Staff Union (UASU) did not attend. However, UASU has since indicated readiness to engage once the SRC guidelines are in place.
At the same time, the Kenya Union of Domestic, Hotels, Educational Institutions, Hospitals and Allied (KUDHEIHA) has already complied with the court directive suspending the strike and confirmed its readiness for negotiations.
Ogamba appealed to lecturers and staff to put the interests of learners first, promising that the government would meet its obligations once the framework is finalised.
The CS also revealed that the matter will return to court on October 6, where parties are expected to chart the way forward. Last month, Ogamba directed lecturers to resume duty or face disciplinary action, including possible contempt charges.
Despite government appeals, lecturers insist on the settlement of Ksh7.9 billion owed from the 2017 and 2021 CBAs, as well as arrears from the 2021–2025 agreement.
