Education CS Ogamba Calls for Negotiations Ahead of Lecturer Strike.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has called on university lecturers to avoid industrial action and instead allow ongoing negotiations to proceed, aiming for a peaceful resolution that benefits all stakeholders.
On September 18, 2024, academic activities at 35 public universities face the risk of being disrupted due to the collapse of discussions between the Inter-Public Universities Council Consultative Forum (IPUCCF) and the Universities Academic Staff Union (Uasu) regarding the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
Key grievances raised by university staff include:
- Delayed and incomplete salary payments
- Non-remittance of statutory and third-party deductions such as loans, pension contributions, and insurance premiums
Impact on Academic Programs
Ogamba warned that the potential strike could significantly interfere with academic programs, including graduation ceremonies planned over the next three months.
With the 2024/2025 academic year’s first semester just starting, expected to conclude in December 2024, he expressed hope for a calm approach to labor relations between teaching and non-teaching staff.
During the inauguration of Tharaka University’s first chancellor, Prof. Ratemo Michieka, on September 13, 2024, Ogamba acknowledged the legitimacy of the university staff’s concerns regarding the CBA.
He urged staff unions to allow room for negotiation, emphasizing the need for a diplomatic resolution to the disputes.
“I am aware that the unions representing the staff of universities have issued a strike notice to their employers. I urge them to give the process of negotiations a chance,” said Mr Ogamba.
Reforms in Higher Education Funding
On the topic of higher education funding, Ogamba discussed the recent joint efforts between the government and students to evaluate the new funding model. He outlined plans to assess the effectiveness of the Means Testing Instrument (MTI) used to allocate financial support to students.
Two committees will be formed to ensure that the funding system does not hinder students’ access to higher education.
Key areas of review will include:
- Course costs at universities
- The student appeals mechanism
- Loan structure (interest rates, grace periods, repayment terms)
So far, during the current financial year, the government has released KSh 4.2 billion under the student-centred model to cover loans and upkeep for students.
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This funding is part of ongoing efforts to ensure higher education remains accessible to all students, regardless of their financial background.
Education CS Ogamba Calls for Negotiations Ahead of Lecturer Strike
