Restore learning after Sh20bn lecturers’ deal

The breakthrough that has ended the lecturers’ strike, which has for several weeks paralysed learning and operations in public universities, is good news for them, but even more for students and their parents.

A Sh20 billion pay deal reached between the government and the Universities Academic Staff Union paves the way for the resumption of learning. There is widespread relief, easing anxiety and tension from student street protests. 

The agreement secured by Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba and the National Treasury covers basic salaries and allowances under the delayed 2025–2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

It is a massive increase from the government’s two rejected counteroffers of Sh11.96 billion and Sh12 billion. The State will also clear Sh7.9 billion in outstanding salary arrears.

Fully honouring agreements

Learning officially resumes on November 2. The end of the stalemate will spare parents the extra living expenses they were paying while their children sat idle on the campuses. The students have faced stress due to uncertainty. 

Many feared running out of their meagre upkeep money as the standoff persisted. First-year students have been the worst hit by the shutdown as their orientation had just begun. The strike began less than a month after they reported to their campuses.

Frequent strikes by university lecturers and other workers are a big problem in higher education. The parties should strictly follow the CBAs and initiate early warning systems so that negotiations are promptly started to avert crises.

Sadly, the government has not been fully honouring agreements and fulfilling promises, and it lags in implementation. The lecturers and other workers have bills and other financial commitments. The government should honour its side of the bargain.

To ease higher education management, the funding must be enhanced and promptly disbursed, and facilities provided.