Education Ministry Declines Sh8.7 Billion Demand by University Staff, Urges End to Strike.
Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) Migos Agamba has announced that the government cannot meet the demand of Sh8.7 billion for the full implementation of the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) for university staff, including those currently on strike at Moi University.
Speaking during the launch of the Commission for University Education’s Strategic Plan 2024-2028, Agamba urged the striking workers to return to their posts and assured them that the government is seeking solutions to address the crisis amicably.
Agamba emphasized the government’s inability to fulfill the financial demands due to existing budget constraints.
The ministry urged the 3,000-plus striking workers at Moi University to comply with a recent court ruling that declared the industrial action illegal.
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He noted that while the government has managed to pay September salaries, challenges remain with clearing the outstanding Sh8.7 billion debt.
“The government has paid September salaries to Moi University staff, but payment for October remains pending,” Agamba said, urging staff to resume work as the government develops a sustainable financial plan for the institution.
He called for accountability in university management and reminded Vice Chancellors to prioritize transparent fund usage.
He warned that legal consequences would follow if funds were misused, adding that the government is working to eliminate debt in the university sector.
Agamba also highlighted the importance of good governance in universities, stressing the need for data-driven decision-making and curriculum alignment with the competence-based education system. He urged universities to adopt systems that promote quality education and operational efficiency.
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In a related address, Commission for University Education Chairman Professor Chacha Nyaigotti-Chacha underscored the role of quality and relevance in university programs, stressing that institutions must produce a workforce that meets national development goals.
He emphasized the new strategic plan’s role as a roadmap for ensuring that Kenyan universities deliver quality education and produce highly skilled graduates.
Education Ministry Declines Sh8.7 Billion Demand by University Staff, Urges End to Strike.
