Tension between university lecturers and the government continues to rise after the much-anticipated meeting in Machakos failed to produce any progress.
The lecturers turned down a review of the return-to-work formula, insisting that their unpaid dues of Ksh.7.9 billion must be settled in full before any new discussions can take place.
The strike, which has now lasted 39 days, has left students across public universities stranded and uncertain about when normal learning will resume.
The Universities Academic Staff Union has remained firm on its position that there will be no end to the strike until both sides negotiate and sign a new return-to-work formula.
According to UASU Secretary-General Constantine Wasonga, the government must first clear the outstanding dues before talks can begin.
He stated that the lecturers’ patience has been stretched too far and that the union will not compromise on its demand for full payment.
UASU’s stance has been echoed by the Kenya University Staff Union, which has accused the Ministry of Education of taking the crisis lightly despite its growing impact on students and university operations.
Union leaders have warned that the continued standoff has caused massive disruptions in academic calendars, affecting thousands of students who have now missed almost two months of classes.
They argue that the government should also compensate students for the time lost, blaming the ministry for failing to prioritize education workers.
KUSU Secretary-General Charles Mukhwaya emphasized that lecturers will not return to work until the government fulfills its obligations, declaring that there will be no retreat or surrender.
Education Cabinet Secretary Migos Ogamba, while speaking in Nyamira County, assured the public that talks are ongoing to resolve the issue. However, he acknowledged that the main challenge remains the amount of money to be paid to the lecturers.
Ogamba maintained that the government has not refused to pay but is still working out the figures to ensure fairness on both sides. Despite his reassurance, many lecturers remain unconvinced, citing previous unfulfilled promises from the government.
Some universities have reportedly issued threats to sack striking lecturers, with a few receiving show-cause letters. In response, union officials have advised their members to ignore the threats and remain united until their demands are met.
They warned administrators against intimidating lecturers and insisted that such tactics will only harden their resolve.
The unions have also directed sharp criticism at the Salaries and Remuneration Commission, accusing it of being the major obstacle in resolving the dispute.
They claim the SRC has been misguiding the government and frustrating efforts to end the stalemate. UASU and KUSU have now called for the disbandment of the commission, arguing that its interference has delayed justice for university staff.
The lecturers have already rejected a Ksh.3.5 billion offer from the Education Ministry, saying it falls far short of what they are owed.
Students remain the biggest casualties, stuck in uncertainty as both sides hold firm to their positions.
