Parliament Steps In To Resolve University Lecturers' Pay Dispute

By Andrew Mbuva 

The National Assembly Committee on Education has moved to address the prolonged labor dispute between public university staff unions and the government over the delayed implementation of the 2017–2021 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), as well as stalled negotiations for the 2025–2029 CBA.

In a high-level meeting chaired by Tinderet MP Julius Melly, the Committee convened key stakeholders including National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba, University Academic Staff Union (UASU) Secretary General Dr. Constantine Wasonga Opiyo, and Prof. Fred Simiyu Barasa, Chair of the Inter-Public University Consultative Forum (IPUCCF).

Speaking during the session, Melly underscored the urgent need for a sustainable resolution that ensures the uninterrupted learning in public universities while safeguarding the rights and welfare of lecturers.

“We must find a lasting solution to this matter. Students cannot continue to suffer every time a strike is called. We are ready to facilitate dialogue and push for an implementable payment plan,” he asserted.

The CBA dispute dates back to 2017, with lecturers accusing the government of failing to fully disburse the KSh 8.8 billion negotiated under the 2017–2021 agreement — leaving an estimated deficit of KSh 7.9 billion.

In response to MPs’ queries, Treasury officials reassured the Committee of the government's commitment to settle the outstanding funds, albeit in phases, citing current fiscal challenges.

“The Treasury is working closely with the Ministry of Education to clear the pending obligations. Payments will be done in two installments, 50% in the current financial year and 50% in the next,” said CS John Mbadi.

However, this proposal was flatly rejected by UASU. Dr. Wasonga insisted the payment plan was unacceptable to its members, citing the urgent financial needs of some, including retirees awaiting pension adjustments.

“My members voted no to the two-installment plan. Some of them are already retired and need their pensions. Our members deserve their arrears paid in full,” he stated.

The union also pressed for expedited discussions on the 2025–2029 CBA, warning of further unrest if the government continues to drag its feet.

MPs, including  Christine Ombaka (Siaya County), expressed concern over the potential impact of delays on academic calendars and staff morale, urging the government to prioritize the matter.

The Committee resolved that the Treasury, Ministry of Education, universities, and union representatives must meet within two weeks to draft a final implementation roadmap for both pending and future CBAs. Hon. Melly reiterated the Committee’s intention to closely monitor compliance.

 “This Committee wants universities to resume functioning. All parties must act within the agreed timelines,” he concluded.