The National Assembly Committee on Education has stepped in to mediate the long-running lecturers’ strike, holding a high-level meeting with university union leaders and government officials in a bid to end the impasse over the implementation of the 2017–2021 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

Chaired by Tinderet MP Julius Melly, the session brought together Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, Education CS Julius Ogamba, University Academic Staff Union (UASU) Secretary-General Dr. Constantine Wasonga, and Prof. Fred Simiyu Barasa, who chairs the Inter-Public University Consultative Forum (IPUCCF).

Melly said the Committee’s main goal is to ensure learning in universities resumes without disruption while protecting the welfare of lecturers.

“We must find a lasting solution to this matter. Students cannot continue to suffer every time a strike is called. We are ready to facilitate dialogue and push for an implementable payment plan,” Melly said.

UASU to Govt

The unions have accused the government of failing to fully implement the 2017–2021 CBA, noting that only part of the KSh8.8 billion deal was released, leaving a deficit of about KSh7.9 billion.

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Responding to MPs’ concerns, Treasury officials assured that the government remains committed to clearing the arrears but proposed spreading payments to ease pressure on the national budget.

“The Treasury is working closely with the Ministry of Education to ensure the pending obligations under the CBA are cleared. However, due to current fiscal constraints, payments will be done in two installments, 50 percent in this financial year and 50 percent in the next,” said Mbadi.

But UASU Secretary-General Dr. Wasonga rejected the proposal, saying members had voted against a phased payment plan.

“We are aware of the government’s offer of two installments of 50 percent. I convened my members, and they have voted no. Some of our members are retired and need their pensions. Our members want their arrears paid in full,” he said.

Dr. Wasonga also called for the speedy conclusion and registration of the 2025–2029 CBA to prevent a recurrence of the current stalemate.
“We appreciate the Committee’s intervention, but we also need commitment on the future CBA. Lecturers have waited too long. We want a clear implementation framework,” he added.

The Way Forward

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Melly urged both the Treasury and the Education Ministry to fast-track talks and finalize negotiations before the end of the year.
“This Committee wants universities to resume functioning. The Treasury, Education Ministry, and unions must act within the agreed timelines,” he said.

Siaya Woman Representative Christine Ombaka warned that continued delays could disrupt academic calendars and demoralize teaching staff.

“We are dealing with professionals who deserve respect. The government must treat this matter with the urgency it deserves to safeguard the quality of higher education,” she said.

The meeting concluded with an agreement that the Treasury, Ministry of Education, public universities, and unions will meet again within two weeks to finalize a joint implementation schedule for both the pending and future CBAs.

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National Assembly Education Committee meeting with Cs of Education Julius Ogamba
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