Lecturers at the University of Kabianga have vowed to continue with their strike until the government fully meets their demands.
Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) delegate Calvins Omino said the lecturers are protesting the government’s failure to honour the Sh7.9 billion 2017–2021 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which was signed in 2020.
“Central to this strike is the government’s refusal to implement the Sh7.9 billion CBA that was agreed upon in 2020,” said Omino. “We went through a court process and won, yet the government has still refused to comply.”
Speaking to the press, Omino noted that earlier this year, the Attorney General advised the government to settle the amount, but no action has been taken to date.
“The Attorney General’s office gave a clear directive to pay early this year, but nothing has been done. We will not resume work until our rights are respected,” he added.
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He further called on the government to address the 2025–2029 CBA before any talks on resumption can be held, saying lecturers had agreed that negotiations would begin in July.
“It is illogical for the government to call us for negotiations without clear guidelines or timelines,” he said. “Our issues must be treated with the seriousness they deserve.”
Meanwhile, students at the university have appealed for a swift resolution to the impasse, stating that the ongoing strike is disrupting their learning and causing uncertainty about their academic calendar.
“We want both parties to find a solution soon because our studies are being affected,” said one student. “It’s stressful not knowing when classes will resume.”
The standoff occurs amid similar protests at other public universities across the country, where lecturers are demanding the full implementation of CBAs and improved working conditions.
By Kimutai Langat
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