The government has disbursed Ksh.2.5 billion to support the implementation of Phase 2 of the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) for universities. Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba confirmed the release on Wednesday, calling on the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) to withdraw its recent strike notice.
CS Ogamba emphasized that the government is committed to fulfilling obligations under the Return-to-Work Formula, which was designed to resolve earlier disputes. He urged lecturers to reconsider industrial action, stressing that dialogue remains the best approach in addressing outstanding concerns.
Why is UASU threatening to strike?
The UASU strike notice, issued on September 10, highlighted frustrations over what the union says are unfulfilled agreements. Secretary General Constantine Wasonga stated that the government had failed to meet its end of the bargain regarding CBAs, despite court directives.
“CBA arrears have accumulated to Ksh.3.27 billion. This is one of the CBAs that have not been honoured. The court had issued a directive for more funds to be allocated to cater for the CBAs, but the government has not yet complied,” SG Wasonga said during a press briefing.
According to UASU, lecturers are prepared to discontinue their services in all public universities if the matter is not resolved swiftly. A total of 41 universities have already signed on to the strike notice.
If the strike goes forward, students across public universities may face academic disruptions just weeks into the new term. With both sides holding firm positions, the coming days will be crucial in determining whether learning continues uninterrupted or comes to a halt.
By Lucky Anyanje
