The government has dismissed lecturers unions’ claim of Ksh 24 billion in arrears from the 2017-2021 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) as the basis of the ongoing strike, arguing that the figures are not backed by verified data.
Speaking on the matter, Education Cabinet Secretary Prof. Ogamba explained that, at the heart of the stalemate is a dispute over the actual amount owed. While unions insist the government still owes lecturers approximately Ksh 24 billion, Treasury figures remain unclear.
The matter has since been taken to court, which injuncted the strike pending verification of the figures by a conciliator. The Ministry of Education will appear in court on October 6 to follow up on the progress of this process.
While recent payments under the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) have been settled, the strike stems largely from disputes tied to the earlier 2017-2021 CBA.
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According to the CS, lecturers had downed their tools last year, prompting a return-to-work formula that saw the government release Ksh 4.3 billion to cover the 2024-2025 financial year. In the current financial year (2025-2026), Ksh 2.73 billion was due in July 2026. Though delayed, the amount was paid shortly after lecturers issued a strike notice.
“The payments for the 2021-2025 CBA have been honored. The core issue now lies with the 2017-2021 CBA,” Ogamba said.
Ogamba also addressed concerns about the 2025-2029 CBA, which lecturers argue has been delayed. He, however, assured that the negotiation cycle runs from June to June in the 2025-2026 Financial year and that two meetings have already been held, with discussions ongoing before the agreement is signed.
The CS clarified this while saying, “it is so unfortunate that the facts are overshadowed by the noise.”
By Mercy Kokwon
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