Education Cabinet Secretary Migos Ogamba has dismissed claims by striking university lecturers that the government owes them Sh7.9 billion, clarifying that the actual outstanding amount is Sh624 million.
Appearing before Parliament, Ogamba said the ongoing industrial action now in its fourth week is illegal, as it contravenes a court order issued on September 18, 2025, by the Employment and Labour Relations Court. The court directed both parties to submit to a conciliation process rather than resorting to a strike.
According to Ogamba, the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) has confirmed that Sh7.2 billion of the amount demanded by lecturers was already paid through normal annual salary increments. “SRC has advised that only Sh624 million remains unpaid. The ministry is ready to resolve this balance amicably through objective discussions,” he said.
The dispute dates back to the implementation of the 2017–2021 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). While lecturers maintain that a significant portion remains unpaid, Ogamba insisted that an audit of university payrolls should be conducted to establish the exact balance.
He further told MPs that under the 2021–2025 CBA, the government has already disbursed Sh9.76 billion in three tranches, with all dues up to date. The conciliator’s report dated September 30, 2025, also confirmed the successful implementation of this agreement.
Regarding the upcoming 2025–2029 CBA, Ogamba noted that discussions are yet to begin as the government awaits negotiation beacons from the SRC. “It is premature to file a dispute on the 2025–2029 CBA. Universities have already invited unions to begin preliminary talks,” he explained.
Despite Ogamba’s assurances, lecturers have vowed to continue their strike until their demands are met, disrupting learning in public universities for the past three weeks. The matter is expected to be revisited in a follow-up meeting between the government, unions, and the SRC scheduled for October 9, 2025.
