A heated debate unfolded in the National Assembly on Wednesday, October 8, as Members of Parliament (MPs) pressed the Ministry of Education to fast-track negotiations with striking university lecturers, whose industrial action has crippled learning in public universities nationwide.

The legislators demanded immediate intervention from Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) Julius Migos Ogamba to end the stalemate between the government and university staff unions, the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU), the Kenya University Staff Union (KUSU), and the Kenya Union of Domestic, Hotels, Educational Institutions, Hospitals and Allied Workers (KUDHEIHA).

Gilgil MP Martha Wangari sought a formal statement from the CS on the progress made in resolving the impasse and ensuring that thousands of students resume studies that have been on hold for weeks.

In response, CS Ogamba defended the government’s efforts, saying significant strides had been made in implementing the 2021–2025 Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs).

He disclosed that the total financial requirement for the agreement amounts to Ksh9.76 billion, which is being released in three phases.

“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.

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Dispute Over 2017–2021 CBA

The CS further clarified that the 2017–2021 CBA remains contentious, with the unions claiming the government still owes them Ksh 7.9 billion.

However, the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) disputes this, insisting that only Ksh624 million is pending after accounting for previous salary adjustments.

“This difference in interpretation is a matter we are ready to resolve amicably through objective discussions,” Ogamba stated, adding that the issue is currently before the Employment and Labour Relations Court for conciliation.

Despite his assurances, MPs expressed deep frustration with what they described as government inertia and inconsistency in handling lecturers’ welfare.

Lawmakers Express Outrage

Kitutu Masaba Clive Gesairo accused the Ministry of “hiding behind the SRC” to delay payments, questioning the accuracy of the financial figures provided.

“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 Hon. Gesairo.

Funyula MP Wilberforce Oundo, a former lecturer, echoed similar sentiments, urging the Ministry to act swiftly.

“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 asked.

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Ministry Reaffirms Commitment

In closing, CS Ogamba reaffirmed the government’s commitment to implementing the current CBA fully and commencing negotiations 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 exact balance under the 2017–2021 CBA, which requires an objective audit process,” he said.

The National Assembly, however, resolved to urge the Ministry of Education to expedite dialogue with all stakeholders and ensure the immediate resumption of learning in universities, warning that continued delays could further disrupt the academic calendar and harm students’ future prospects.

National Assembly session on October 8, 2025. PHOTO/Parliament.