The Ministry of Education has urged university staff unions to immediately call off their ongoing industrial action, citing the government’s fulfillment of its financial obligations under the current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
In a statement released by Cabinet Secretary for Education, Julius Migos Ogamba, EBS, the government confirmed that it has fully disbursed sh. 2.73 billion as stipulated in the 2021–2025 CBA.
According to the ministry, this payment was communicated to the unions prior to the commencement of the strike.
“The Government is committed to honouring its obligations as negotiated with University Staff Unions,” said CS Ogamba.
“It is regrettable that the industrial action has disrupted teaching and learning in our universities, affecting hundreds of thousands of students, despite the good faith and commitment demonstrated by the Government.”
Earlier today, the Employment and Labour Relations Court issued an order halting the strike pending a conciliation process between the parties.
The court’s intervention now puts legal pressure on the unions to return to the negotiation table.
CS Ogamba called on the unions to comply with the court order and suspend the strike to pave the way for a “legally-sanctioned conciliation process.”
He reaffirmed the government’s willingness to engage in constructive dialogue aimed at safeguarding staff welfare while ensuring smooth operations in public universities.
The strike, which has disrupted academic programs across multiple institutions, has raised concerns among students and parents as the standoff continues.
The Ministry hopes that ongoing legal and negotiation frameworks will resolve the impasse swiftly.
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