The government has offered to pay lecturers in two phases in the Ksh 7.9 Billion arrears stalemate in order to end strike. This comes after the striking lecturers and government agreed to resume talks in a bid to broker a return-to-work formula.
According to Union officials, the government appears to soften its previous hardline stance and is now offering to pay the lecturers’ Ksh.7.9 billion arrears in two phases. The lecturers’ unions say they will consider the offer with their members before making a decision.
As the lecturers’ strike entered its 44th day, union leaders say talks to resolve the impasse that has denied students learning are advancing. UASU says the union and the Ministry have been holding meetings this week, resulting in a better offer from the government
“Initially, they wanted to pay it in three phases; they have narrowed it down to two phases. We are going to consult our members, and the government is also going to consult,” UASU Secretary General Dr. Constantine Wasonga said.
“It is only fair that we inform our members to stay put but vigilant. We give the government this opportunity because they have shown themselves ready to engage us,” Mukhwaya, Secretary General of the Kenya University Staff Union (KUSU), said.
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The two unions say they are convening their respective National Executive Committees this evening to present the government’s offer before conveying the outcome to the National Delegates Conferences (NDCs) to decide on whether or not they will resume classes.
“We have agreed to burn the midnight oil, my lines are open. The government has also decided to burn the midnight oil,” Dr. Wasonga said.
Dr Wasonga however maintained that the strike is on, urging members to remain vigilant as they pursue lines consulting at high levels.
“But in the meantime, the industrial action continues” he said.
As the unions and government race towards a resolution of the lecturers’ issues, including the new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), students in public universities have remained stranded on the fate of their academic direction as some opt to engage in odd jobs to keep them going while others decide to break for home to avoid drifting into depression due to survival hardships.
By Juma Ndigo
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