Members of the National Assembly have called on the Ministry of Education to speed up negotiations with university lecturers’ unions to end the ongoing strike that has crippled learning in public universities nationwide.
Gilgil MP Martha Wangari sought a statement from Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba on measures being taken to resolve the stalemate between the Government and university staff unions, UASU, KUSU, and KUDHEIHA, to allow learning to resume.
In his response, the CS said the Government had largely implemented the 2021–2025 Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs), which require a total of Sh9.76 billion, released in three phases.
Ogamba said that Sh4.3 billion was paid for the period October 2024 to June 2025, with another Sh2.73 billion already disbursed for the 2025/2026 Financial Year. The remaining Sh2.73 billion, he said, would be paid in the next financial year as planned.
The CS added that the 2017–2021 CBA remains contentious, with unions claiming an outstanding balance of Sh7.9 billion, while the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) insists that only Sh624 million is pending after factoring in annual salary adjustments.
“This difference in interpretation is something we are ready to resolve amicably through objective discussions,” he said, confirming that the matter is under conciliation as directed by the Employment and Labour Relations Court.
Lawmakers, however, expressed dissatisfaction with the Ministry’s explanation, accusing it of stalling on the long-standing pay dispute.
Clive Gesairo (Kitutu Masaba) questioned the accuracy of the Ministry’s figures, alleging it was “hiding behind the SRC.”
“This is not the first time the Ministry has contradicted itself. The Attorney General’s Office has already advised that balances under the 2017–2021 CBA be settled. Our young people are at home, and lecturers are on the streets,” he said.
Funyula MP Wilberforce Oundo echoed the concerns, urging swift action to restore normal learning.
“As a former lecturer, it pains me to see my colleagues protesting. Can the Ministry assure this House that negotiations will conclude this week so lecturers and students return to class?” he posed.
CS Ogamba reiterated that the Government is committed to fully implementing the 2021–2025 CBA and will begin talks for the 2025–2029 agreement once guidelines from the SRC are issued.
“Most of the key issues raised by the unions have been addressed. What remains is to verify the actual balance under the 2017–2021 CBA through an objective audit process,” he stated.
The House urged the Ministry to expedite consultations with all stakeholders to ensure the quick resumption of learning in public universities.
The call by lawmakers comes after lecturers on Wednesday dismissed the government’s claim of Sh624m arrears, insisting they are owed Sh7.9 billion.