Lecturers reject gov't offer, demand full Ksh.7.9 billion dues

The Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) now says it will not call off the lecturers’ strike that kicked off in September unless UASU and the government negotiate and sign a return-to-work formula. UASU insists that the dues amounting to Ksh.7.9 billion must be paid before the negotiation begins.

“We shall not call off the strike unless we negotiate and sign, and the due of Ksh.7.9 billion should be paid in full,” said Wasonga.

KUSU and UASU blame the Ministry of Education for casually handling the lecturers’ strike, which they say has gotten out of hand with students missing classes for almost two months.

“The government has also to compensate the university students for time wasted. The government has pushed the UASU and KUSU to be on strike,” said Charles Mukhwaya.

“Ksh.7.9 billion be paid at once before the return-to-work formula is put on the table. No retreat, no surrender,” added Wasonga.

Education CS Migos Ogamba, who was in Nyamira County on Friday, said the ministry is still engaging the lecturers to unlock the impasse, adding that the amount of money to be paid to the lecturers is still a sticky issue yet to be agreed upon.

“Our learners are suffering out there just because the government has not refused to pay but just the amount of money to be paid,” said Ogamba.

Several institutions have threatened to sack striking lecturers, with some dons receiving show-cause letters, but the unions have told their members to stay put and not be swayed by the threats.

“Anybody threatening the lecturers with show cause should stop immediately. We are ready for negotiation but now that they have accepted,” said Wasonga.

KUSU and UASU have also trained their guns on the Salaries and Remuneration Commission, accusing SRC of being the stumbling block in the search for a solution to the crisis in public universities.

“SRC should be disbanded as it is misadvising the government wrongly. This matter should be concluded immediately by government paying in full,” said Charles Mukhwaya.

Lecturers have already rejected a Ksh.3.5 billion offer made by the Education Ministry, prolonging the period away from class that learners in public universities will have to endure.