By PSCU
Members of the National Assembly have urged the Ministry of Education to expedite talks with university lecturers’ unions to end the ongoing strike that has paralysed learning in public universities across the country.
Gilgil MP Martha Wangari sought a statement from Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba on the steps being taken to resolve the impasse between the Government and university staff unions; UASU, KUSU, and KUDHEIHA to ensure the resumption of learning.
In his response, the CS said the government had substantially implemented the 2021–2025 Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs), whose total financial requirement amounts to KSh9.76 billion, disbursed in three tranches.
“KSh4.3 billion was released for the period October 2024 to June 2025, and another KSh2.73 billion has been disbursed for the 2025/2026 Financial Year. The remaining KSh2.73 billion will be paid in the next financial year as scheduled,” said Mr. Ogamba.
He further noted that the 2017–2021 CBA remains under dispute, with the unions claiming an outstanding balance of KSh7.9 billion, while the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) maintains that only KSh624 million is pending after annual salary adjustments were accounted for.
“This difference in interpretation is a matter we are ready to resolve amicably through objective discussions,” the CS added, confirming that the matter is currently under conciliation as directed by the Employment and Labour Relations Court.
However, lawmakers expressed dissatisfaction with the Ministry’s explanation, accusing it of delaying the resolution of the long-standing pay dispute.
Kitutu Masaba MP Clive Gesairo questioned the accuracy of the Ministry’s financial figures, accusing it of “hiding behind the SRC.”
“This is not the first time the Ministry has contradicted itself. The Office of the Attorney General has already advised that balances owed under the 2017–2021 CBA be paid. Our young people are at home, and lecturers are on the streets,” said Gesairo.
Wilberforce Oundo from Funyula constituency echoed similar concerns, calling for urgent action to restore normal learning.
“As a former lecturer, it saddens me to see my colleagues on the streets. Can the Ministry assure this House that the negotiations will be concluded this week so that lecturers and students go back to class?” he posed.
The CS maintained that the government remains committed to implementing the 2021–2025 CBA in full and to commencing negotiations for the 2025–2029 agreement once guidelines from the SRC are received.
“Most of the key issues raised by the unions have been addressed. What remains is to verify the exact balance under the 2017–2021 CBA, which requires an objective audit process,” he affirmed.
The House urged the Ministry to fast-track talks with all stakeholders to ensure university students resume learning without further disruption.
