Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba Migosi has appealed to striking university staff unions to accept the government’s phased payment plan for the 2017–2021 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) arrears, as calls for his resignation grow louder amid the ongoing lecturers’ strike that has crippled learning in public universities across the country.
Speaking on Friday during the closing ceremony of the Kenya Association of Technical Training Institutions (KATTI) National Championship Season Two at Kenya Coast National Polytechnic, Migosi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to resolving the industrial dispute “within the limits of its financial means.”
“We acknowledge the critical role our lecturers and university staff play in shaping Kenya’s human capital,” the CS said. “However, the government must act responsibly and sustainably. We are ready to fulfill our obligations, but it must be done within the available fiscal framework.”
Dispute Over CBA Arrears
The impasse between the government and university staff unions primarily the University Academic Staff Union (UASU), Kenya Universities Staff Union (KUSU), and Kenya Union of Domestic, Hotels, Educational Institutions, Hospitals and Allied Workers (KUDHEIHA) centers on the payment of arrears from the 2017–2021 CBA.
According to Migosi, the CBA in question was signed before he assumed office, and the government has since conducted a joint verification exercise with the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) to determine the correct amount owed.
The verification process, he said, established the total arrears at Sh7.7 billion, slightly lower than the Sh7.9 billion claimed by the unions.
“We must work with verified figures to ensure accountability. The verification with SRC was not meant to delay payments, but to ensure fairness and accuracy,” he explained.
Government’s Proposal
Under the proposed phased payment plan, the Treasury will release funds in stages over the next financial cycles, allowing the government to clear the arrears without straining its already tight budget.
Migosi emphasized that the phased approach was designed to balance competing financial priorities across sectors such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
He urged union leaders to embrace dialogue instead of confrontation, noting that strikes only hurt students, parents, and the broader education sector.
“We can only find a lasting solution through constructive engagement. The government remains open to discussions with all unions to ensure that universities resume normal operations,” Migosi said.
Mounting Pressure and Political Reactions
The prolonged lecturers’ strike has sparked growing frustration among students and parents, many of whom are demanding a swift resolution. The disruption has delayed exams, halted research projects, and forced the indefinite suspension of some academic programs.
Meanwhile, some opposition politicians and education stakeholders have accused the Education Ministry of mishandling the issue. A few lawmakers have gone as far as calling for Migosi’s resignation, citing what they describe as “a lack of decisive leadership.”
However, several university administrators and education analysts have defended the CS, arguing that the financial challenges are systemic and not unique to his tenure. They point out that the government has been operating under tight fiscal constraints following the post-pandemic recovery period and ongoing economic reforms.
Broader Implications
The dispute has reignited debate about the sustainability of CBAs in Kenya’s public sector, with analysts warning that failure to properly plan for negotiated agreements could lead to recurring strikes.
Education policy experts also note that the standoff threatens Kenya’s efforts to strengthen its higher education system, which has been under strain from reduced government funding, rising operational costs, and declining student enrollment in some programs.
“Kenya’s universities are already grappling with financial shortfalls,” said Dr. Emily Odhiambo, a higher education policy analyst. “While lecturers’ demands are legitimate, the government must find a way to make CBAs realistic and affordable in the long term.”
Call for Dialogue
Migosi concluded his speech by urging calm and cooperation among all education stakeholders. He expressed optimism that ongoing discussions between the Ministry of Education, the SRC, and university union representatives would yield a mutually acceptable resolution.
“We all share a common goal to see our universities thrive as centers of excellence,” he said. “The only way forward is through patience, understanding, and honest dialogue. Together, we can restore normalcy and protect the future of our students.”
As the strike enters its second week, attention now turns to whether the unions will soften their stance and return to the negotiating table, or if industrial action will persist prolonging uncertainty across Kenya’s higher education landscape.
