MP Chelule urges striking lecturers to give dialogue a chance as learning stalls

Nakuru County MP Liza Chelule has appealed to striking university lecturers to soften their stance and return to the negotiating table, warning that the ongoing industrial action has disrupted learning in institutions of higher education.

Speaking in Kuresoi North, Chelule said the strike had "paralyzed learning at universities," urging both the government and lecturers to engage in talks to find a solution to the stalemate. She acknowledged that lecturers have a right to strike but questioned the timing of the industrial action, saying students were bearing the brunt of the dispute.

"Although the lecturers have a right to strike, I believe the timing is wrong," Chelule said.

She defended the government, saying efforts were being made to address the lecturers' grievances, and called for dialogue rather than prolonged disruption of academic programmes. Chelule said the interests of students should be given priority, noting that prolonged disruption of learning could have far-reaching consequences for learners and their families.

"The students' interest should be given priority. Please, lecturers, give dialogue a chance," she said.

The MP also urged parents to take greater responsibility for their children, saying some had abdicated their responsibilities of guiding and supporting their children. She encouraged parents to remain actively involved in their children's education and welfare, particularly at a time when students were facing disruptions in their academic programmes.

Chelule further reiterated her commitment to supporting education in Nakuru County, saying she had allocated sufficient funds through the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF) to support education initiatives.

She said she had rolled out various programmes targeting students, particularly girls, as part of efforts to promote access to education and support learners from vulnerable backgrounds, adding that the programmes had received a warm reception from parents in the area.

However, the lecturers have maintained their position, insisting that they will remain on strike until their demands are addressed. They have vowed to continue with the industrial action "as long as it takes" until an agreement is reached on their grievances, leaving thousands of university students affected by the standoff.