Sh4.2bn Pledge Fails to End Ongoing University Lecturers’ Strike
Students in public universities will face prolonged delays in resuming classes as lecturers maintained their stance on continuing the strike.
This came despite the government’s announcement of a Sh4.3 billion offer to partially implement the contested collective bargaining agreement (CBA).
In a meeting convened by the National Assembly’s Education Committee, officials from the University Academic Staff Union (UASU), Higher Education and Research Principal Secretary Beatrice Inyangala, and an Inter-Ministerial Committee discussed the strike.
The government confirmed that it had secured Sh4.3 billion from the National Treasury to implement the CBA. However, UASU insisted that the full cost of the agreement is Sh9.7 billion, far exceeding the amount offered.
Beatrice Inyangala told the committee, chaired by Julius Melly, that despite economic challenges, the government managed to secure the funds.
She explained that the Sh4.3 billion figure was determined through simulations involving the university technical team and some union officials.
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Principal Secretary for Labour, Shadrack Mwadime, noted that pushing the National Treasury for the funds was necessary, even though the 2024/2025 budget had already been finalized.
UASU Secretary-General Constantine Wasonga acknowledged the government’s Sh4.3 billion offer but stated that the strike would persist until a clear plan for settling the remaining Sh5.6 billion is provided.
He emphasized the need for a written commitment outlining how the balance would be paid. Wasonga proposed that the outstanding amount be disbursed in two equal installments over the 2025/26 and 2026/27 financial years.
The National Assembly committee, while noting progress in negotiations, urged the government to engage UASU in good faith to resolve the impasse. Julius Melly commended UASU for accepting the Sh4.3 billion but stressed the importance of a roadmap for the remaining balance to ensure lecturers return to work. He also highlighted the urgency of resolving the matter for students’ sake.
The government’s efforts were supported by a letter from National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi dated November 12, 2024.
Mbadi confirmed the allocation of Sh4.3 billion through the 2024/2025 supplementary budget to facilitate the implementation of the 2021-2025 CBA.
However, he recommended that the higher education department consult the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) on structuring the pay.
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The return-to-work formula, initially signed in September 2024 after a previous strike, now hinges on the resolution of these financial commitments.
Lawmakers directed Beatrice Inyangala to negotiate with UASU and provide a detailed plan for settling the remaining Sh5.6 billion, underlining the need for swift action to restore normalcy in universities.
Sh4.2bn Pledge Fails to End Ongoing University Lecturers’ Strike
