The industrial standoff between university lecturers and the government has intensified after a meeting in Machakos failed to resolve the ongoing dispute. The lecturers, through their unions the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) and the Kenya University Staff Union (KUSU) have rejected the government’s revised offer and are demanding full payment of their Ksh 7.9 billion dues before resuming work.
Speaking on Friday, UASU Secretary-General Constantine Wasonga stated that lecturers will not return to class unless the full amount is paid and a new return-to-work formula is negotiated and signed. “We shall not call off the strike unless we negotiate and sign, and the Ksh 7.9 billion should be paid in full,” said Wasonga.
The strike, now in its 39th day, has disrupted learning in public universities across the country, leaving thousands of students idle and frustrated. KUSU Secretary-General Charles Mukhwaya accused the Ministry of Education of mishandling the crisis, saying the government has treated the issue too casually. “The government has also to compensate the university students for time wasted. The government has pushed UASU and KUSU to strike,” said Mukhwaya.
Education Cabinet Secretary Migos Ogamba, while addressing a separate event in Nyamira County, acknowledged that discussions were ongoing but admitted that the amount of money to be paid remains a sticking point. “Our learners are suffering out there not because the government has refused to pay, but because the exact amount to be paid is still under discussion,” Ogamba explained.
Lecturers have also condemned the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), accusing it of misguiding the government and frustrating efforts to resolve the impasse. “SRC should be disbanded as it is misadvising the government wrongly. This matter should be concluded immediately by paying in full,” added Mukhwaya.
The lecturers have already rejected a Ksh 3.5 billion offer by the ministry, vowing to remain on strike until their full demands are met.
