The Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) has hinted at the possibility of reconsidering its ongoing strike following talks with the Parliamentary Education Committee, chaired by Tinderet MP Julius Melly, the Ministry of Education, and the National Treasury.
UASU National Secretary-General Constantine Wasonga, appearing before the committee on Tuesday, November 4, stated that the union would convene its organs to review its position for the sake of students and the country.
The union boss noted that lecturers were deeply frustrated, adding that their willingness to strike showed how demoralised they were.
“For the sake of the children and students of this country, we are going to convene the organs of the union so that we can reconsider,” said Wasonga.
“You could tell from the way lecturers came out to strike — these are people who could have stayed out until January. But because of your chairmanship and the honourable members who have engaged with us, I am going to plead with our members to reconsider. You do not push us or call us names.”
UASU SG Wasonga Hints at Reconsidering Lecturers’ Strike After Talks With Government
Wasonga also urged the Inter-Public Universities Councils Consultative Forum (IPUCCF) to re-evaluate how it manages university staff, saying its current approach was ineffective and demotivating.
“The IPUCCF should reconsider how it manages university staff. A study should be conducted on the motivation and job satisfaction needs of public university workers in Kenya. The way IPUCCF manages university staff is perfunctory,” he said.
Also Read: UASU Sets Condition for Calling Off Strike After Govt’s Latest Attempt
At the same time, Wasonga proposed an 80-20 pay arrangement, under which the government would release 80 percent of the allocated funds and defer the remaining 20 percent to the 2026–2027 financial year.
“The worst of the worst is the 80-20 proposal — giving us 80 percent and retaining 20 percent. Eighty percent translates to about KSh 5 billion, while the remaining KSh 2 billion is pushed to the 2026–2027 financial year,” he explained.
“That is my irreducible minimum, for the sake of the committee chairperson, the honourable committee members, and the students of this country, is fairness and respect,” said Wasonga.
Earlier, Wasonga warned that the Ministry of Education’s existing financial commitments could delay the implementation of a new 2025–2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
UASU Warns of Budget Strain as Union Rejects 50-50 Pay Proposal
Appearing before the National Assembly’s Committee on Education, Wasonga said the ministry was already burdened with obligations from previous CBAs and staff benefit schemes, which could strain the 2026–2027 financial year budget.
He revealed that Ksh 2.37 billion under the 2021–2025 CBA is set to mature on July 1, while another Ksh 2.73 billion will mature in the 2026–2027 financial year.
“There are commitments we made with the IPUCCF, including a mortgage scheme that was supposed to be factored into the 2026–2027 sector budget,” he explained.
He warned that taking on new promises without settling existing obligations could further burden the education sector’s future budgets.
“With these commitments, we don’t want to clog the 2026–2027 financial year with more promises again,” he noted.
Addressing concerns over the proposed KSh 7.9 billion offer for the 2025–2029 CBA, Wasonga clarified that the amount represents a single, reasonable offer, not phased disbursements.
Wasonga explained that the union is seeking a fair and comprehensive deal for the 2025–2029 CBA, noting that the government’s current offer of 2 percent is inadequate.
He confirmed that UASU’s decision-making organs had rejected a 50-50 pay proposal from the government, maintaining that members would remain on strike until a fair deal is reached.
“The organs of the union have rejected the 50-50 proposal, and I don’t want to promise the Honourable House that they will accept it. They voted against it,” Wasonga said.
Wasonga had earlier accused the government of repeatedly failing to honour previous agreements, vowing that lecturers would not resume work until the full amount was paid.
“The government has been signing documents and reneging on them, so lecturers are ready to go the long haul. Once this is settled, they are ready to resume duty,” said Wasonga.
He emphasised that the union wanted a lasting solution to avoid future strikes. “The lecturers don’t want another strike until 2030. This one, tunamalizana this year,” he added.
The government had proposed paying the arrears in two instalments, on the condition that lecturers return to class.
Wasonga revealed that after consultations with the union’s National Executive Committee (NEC) and National Delegates Council (NDC), three key resolutions were ratified — all of which must be fulfilled before the strike is called off.
Also Read: Lecturers Strike: Breakdown of What Govt Owes Each of 38 Universities
CS Ogamba Defends Govt’s Payment Plan for Lecturers, Cites Budget Timing Constraints
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba, in his submissions, however, defended the ministry’s position, explaining that the delay in factoring in the new offer was due to the timing of the budget-making process.
“This figure was agreed upon after the 2025–2026 budget had already been concluded. As at the time we received this information, the budget process was complete,” Ogamba said.
He added that the government plans to settle the amount in two instalments to avoid disrupting other planned programmes.
“We are proposing to pay Ksh 3.85 billion during the supplementary budget, reallocated from our existing 2025–2026 programmes. The balance of Ksh 3.85 billion will be included in the 2026–2027 budget alongside the Ksh 2.73 billion already factored in,” Ogamba stated.
He assured that the ministry had reviewed the figures and was confident the payment plan was achievable.
“We’ve done the math, and we are comfortable that we’ll be able to meet the Ksh 3.85 billion and Ksh 2.73 billion obligations in the 2026–2027 financial year,” he said, adding that the government’s offer was reasonable and sustainable.
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