Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has made a strong appeal to university lecturers to avoid going on strike and instead give negotiations a chance.
His call comes amidst rising tensions between public universities and their teaching staff over unresolved disputes related to the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). These disputes threaten to disrupt learning across 35 public universities from September 18, 2024.
The lecturers, represented by the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU), are frustrated by delayed salaries, incomplete payments, and the non-remittance of statutory and third-party deductions such as loans, insurance premiums, and pension contributions.
These issues have strained relations between the universities and their staff, with the Inter-Public Universities Council Consultative Forum (IPUCCF) failing to reach a deal with UASU.
Speaking during the inauguration of Tharaka University’s first chancellor, Professor Ratemo Michieka, on September 13, 2024, CS Ogamba acknowledged the legitimacy of the lecturers' concerns. He emphasized the importance of addressing these grievances through peaceful dialogue rather than industrial action.
He stressed that a strike could have serious implications on the academic calendar, potentially disrupting critical activities such as the upcoming graduation ceremonies scheduled for the next three months.
“Given that most of the universities are just beginning the first semester of the 2024/2025 academic year, which is expected to end by December 2024, I hope for a calm and sober approach to the issue of labor relations between the teaching and non-teaching staff of universities,” said Ogamba.
The CS urged all stakeholders involved, especially university unions, to give negotiations a fair chance to prevent the disruption of academic programmes. He emphasized that finding a solution that benefits all parties is crucial for the smooth functioning of the universities.
In addition to addressing the CBA negotiations, CS Ogamba touched on the worrying trend of insecurity in learning institutions. He referred to the recent tragic fire at Hillside Endarasha Academy in Nyeri County, which claimed the lives of 21 students.
The incident has sparked national concern, and Ogamba stressed the need for strict adherence to safety standards in schools.
“I believe that we can prevent such incidents if each of us plays our role in enforcing the government’s Safety Standards Manual for Schools in Kenya,” he said.
Ogamba also noted that the government has begun inspecting schools to ensure they meet the necessary safety standards. He warned that any officer, teacher, or school administrator found to be neglecting these measures would face strict consequences.
Turning to the issue of funding for higher education, the CS outlined the government’s commitment to reviewing the new funding model for universities. The model has come under scrutiny, with students expressing concerns over its fairness and accessibility.
Ogamba said the ministry would form two committees to assess the model’s effectiveness and review the Means Testing Instrument (MTI), which is used to determine student funding.
The review will cover various aspects, including the cost of courses, the accuracy of student banding under the funding model, and the loan structure, including interest rates, grace periods, and repayment terms. So far, the government has disbursed KSh 4.2 billion for student loans and upkeep under the student-centered model.
Ogamba reassured students that the government is committed to ensuring that no student is disadvantaged by the funding system in their pursuit of higher education.
The discussions aim to make higher education accessible and affordable for all, reflecting the economic realities of Kenyan households.
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