MPs Hold Critical Meeting with Union Officials to Resolve Public University Lecturers’ Strike

The Parliamentary Education Committee convened an urgent meeting this morning with officials from the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) and the Inter-Public University Consultative Forum. This strike, which began on October 29, has put a halt to academic activities across all public universities in Kenya and has underscored the underlying tensions regarding unfulfilled agreements with the government.

The primary contention revolves around the non-implementation of the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) that had promised lecturers a salary increase of between 7% and 10%. Government delays in meeting these commitments, compounded by budgetary and procedural discrepancies, have pushed UASU members to take industrial action. The strike’s implications on the country’s higher education system are significant, affecting thousands of students and raising concerns among parents and the public.

Background of the Dispute

The current standoff traces back to the 2021-2025 CBA, an agreement that came after extensive negotiations between UASU and the government, aimed at addressing longstanding issues within Kenya’s public university system. Besides salary increments, the agreement outlined commitments to provide comprehensive health insurance to lecturers and address various welfare issues. However, despite government assurances, lecturers claim they have seen little to no progress on these issues, particularly concerning salary adjustments and health insurance.

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos recently provided insights into the government’s perspective on the issue. While appearing before the Senate last week, CS Migos acknowledged discrepancies in the financial calculations between the government and UASU, with a gap of approximately Ksh 5 billion between the two estimates. He emphasized that the budget shortfall was a significant obstacle, though he assured that efforts were underway to resolve it.

The Role of the Parliamentary Education Committee

The Parliamentary Education Committee’s involvement reflects the urgency and gravity of the situation. The committee, part of the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Education, is tasked with bridging the gap between UASU and the government. By convening this meeting at 10 a.m., the committee hopes to facilitate a resolution that would see lecturers return to work and resume their critical roles within the country’s education sector.

Today’s meeting serves as a platform for dialogue, with the aim of addressing both the immediate and long-term issues facing public university lecturers. By bringing together representatives from the government, UASU, and the Inter-Public University Consultative Forum, the committee is taking steps to foster an agreement on a fair and workable solution.

Key Issues Under Discussion

At the heart of the negotiations is the implementation of the CBA’s stipulated salary increments, which UASU argues is essential to safeguarding the livelihoods of its members. Lecturers have demanded that the government fulfill the agreed 7%-10% salary increase. This demand, however, has run into obstacles, as the Education Ministry cites miscalculations and insufficient funds. Despite these hurdles, UASU has remained resolute, emphasizing that it cannot compromise on promises made in the CBA.

In addition to salary adjustments, lecturers are also demanding the provision of a health insurance scheme that was part of the original CBA negotiations. UASU claims that, despite assurances, the government has yet to initiate the health insurance plan for its members. The absence of health coverage has been a longstanding issue, particularly concerning given the risks and expenses that lecturers face in their line of work. For UASU members, the fulfillment of these promises is non-negotiable.

Legal Implications: The Employment and Labour Court’s Intervention

While UASU members have taken a firm stance, the Employment and Labour Court has declared the strike illegal, ordering lecturers to end their industrial action pending further negotiations. Lady Justice Agnes Nzei issued an injunction on Tuesday, explicitly instructing UASU not to encourage union members to continue with the unprotected strike. Furthermore, the court directed the respondents to file a response within 14 days, with a follow-up hearing scheduled for November 28.

Despite the court’s order, UASU has maintained that it will not back down until the CBA is fully implemented. According to UASU officials, previous experiences with government negotiations have instilled a cautious approach, as they argue that promises often fail to materialize without sustained pressure. The court order has therefore put UASU in a difficult position, balancing legal directives with the need to advocate for its members’ rights.

Government’s Budgetary Constraints and CS Migos’ Statements

Education CS Julius Migos has reiterated that the ministry is facing budgetary constraints that complicate the implementation of the CBA. During his address to the Senate, he expressed concern about the discrepancy in figures, which amounts to approximately Ksh 5 billion. The gap, he explained, stems from differing calculations provided by the government and the union, further complicating an already challenging budgetary situation.

Nevertheless, CS Migos assured the public that the Education Ministry is actively working to address the issue. He acknowledged the impact of the strike on students, parents, and lecturers alike, and expressed optimism that a resolution could be reached. The ministry’s willingness to engage in dialogue through the Parliamentary Education Committee reflects a commitment to finding a solution.

Broader Implications of the Strike

The lecturers’ strike has highlighted deeper issues within Kenya’s education sector, particularly concerning the funding and management of public universities. The strike’s continuation could have significant ramifications, disrupting academic programs, delaying graduation timelines, and creating challenges for students who depend on timely university schedules to plan their future careers. The situation has sparked widespread concern among stakeholders, with parents, students, and educators all voicing frustration over the impasse.

Moreover, the industrial action draws attention to the systemic funding issues facing public universities in Kenya. Lecturers argue that inadequate salaries and the lack of essential benefits, such as health insurance, make it increasingly difficult to attract and retain skilled academic staff. This trend, if left unaddressed, could undermine the quality of higher education in Kenya and affect the country’s ability to produce a skilled workforce.

Moving Forward: The Need for Sustainable Solutions

As the Parliamentary Education Committee meets today with UASU and government representatives, there is hope that a sustainable solution can be reached. Both parties are under pressure to compromise; UASU, for the sake of its members’ immediate welfare, and the government, in the interest of national stability and educational continuity.

Resolving the lecturers’ strike will require more than just a one-time settlement. The government must consider long-term strategies to support the funding needs of public universities and to improve the working conditions of academic staff. Sustainable investments in higher education could prevent future disputes and foster a more harmonious relationship between the government and educators.

To this end, both UASU and government officials might benefit from a renewed focus on dialogue, transparency, and shared accountability. Regular consultations and updates on CBA implementation could help to prevent misunderstandings and foster trust between the two sides.

Conclusion: The Road Ahead

Today’s meeting is a pivotal step in addressing the grievances that have led to the lecturers’ strike. With the Employment and Labour Court closely monitoring the proceedings and the public anxiously awaiting a resolution, the onus is on the Parliamentary Education Committee and the involved parties to reach a workable solution. Should the government and UASU agree on a concrete plan for implementing the CBA, the strike may soon come to an end, allowing public universities to resume their essential role in Kenya’s education sector.

The lecturers’ strike has underscored the need for systemic reforms within the country’s higher education system. Moving forward, the government must commit to honoring its agreements, while UASU and other unions should advocate for solutions that are fair, feasible, and in the best interest of the nation’s students.