Learning activities at public universities across Kenya have been paralyzed for two weeks following a strike by the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) and the Kenya Universities Staff Union (KUSU).
On Wednesday, Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Dr. Alfred Mutua stepped in to resolve the deadlock. Dr. Mutua led a crucial meeting with union leaders, UASU Secretary General Dr. Constantine Wasonga and KUSU Secretary General Dr. Charles Mukhwaya, in an effort to find a way forwardThe meeting culminated in the formation of an inter-ministerial negotiating team, tasked with addressing the unions’ grievances and drafting a return-to-work formula.
The committee will comprise representatives from several key government agencies, including the Ministry of Labour, the Ministry of Education, the National Treasury, and the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC).
Representatives from public universities, the State Corporations Advisory Committee (SCAC), and the two unions will also join the discussions.Dr. Mutua, acknowledging the urgency of the situation, stressed that such disruptions to education cannot continue indefinitely.
“We cannot allow these matters to fester and disrupt the education of thousands of students,” he remarked after the meeting.
He further emphasized the need for proactive and transparent communication when challenges arise, particularly when it comes to implementing Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs).
The unions are demanding salary increments, allowances, and other benefits that were outlined in the latest CBA but have yet to be fully honored.
The newly-formed committee is expected to begin deliberations immediately, with the aim of reaching a quick resolution to end the strike and restore normalcy in public universities.
Both sides remain hopeful that the ongoing talks will yield results, allowing learning to resume soon.As students wait anxiously, the entire nation watches closely, hoping for a swift end to the disruptions.
