Education Committee Pressures Universities’ Council Over Lecturers’ Strike and CBA Funding
The National Assembly Committee on Education is calling on top government officials to address the ongoing university lecturers’ strike and provide clarity on the funding for the implementation of the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). The committee has scheduled meetings with the Principal Secretary for Higher Education, the Cabinet Secretary for Labour, and the Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury in a bid to resolve the prolonged strike that has disrupted university learning across the country.
At the heart of the dispute is a Ksh 4.3 billion allocation that was pledged to support the reopening of universities and meet the obligations under the CBA. However, during a recent parliamentary session, lawmakers expressed frustration over the lack of concrete documentation proving the government’s commitment to these funds.
Hon. Julius Melly, who chairs the Education Committee, questioned Prof. Fred Simiyu Barasa, the Chairperson of the Inter-Public Universities Councils Consultative Forum (IPUCCF), on the legitimacy of documents presented to the committee. “The issues that are being raised by this Committee are on the validity and authenticity of these documents you have brought before us,” Hon. Melly stated. Despite Prof. Barasa’s assurance that the funding amount had been discussed at the Inter-Ministerial Committee level, he could not provide a tangible document affirming the government’s financial commitment.
Committee members voiced concerns over the ongoing strike’s impact on students and criticized the apparent lack of progress in resolving the matter. “We are bitter because our children are suffering,” said Hon. Rebecca Tonkei, highlighting the consequences of the deadlock for students and families.
Hon. Nabii Nabwera echoed these sentiments, stressing the urgency of a resolution. “This Committee wants to resolve this matter. It is holding the nation and our students at bay,” he remarked, underscoring the growing frustration over the continued disruption in higher education.
The committee’s skepticism heightened after Hon. Jerusha Momanyi pointed out that a recent letter from the Principal Secretary for Higher Education to the National Treasury, dated November 6, 2024, merely requested a commitment letter from the Treasury. The letter suggested that the government had yet to formally pledge the Ksh 4.3 billion required to implement the CBA, raising questions over the legitimacy of the promised funding.
“Where is the document indicating government commitment for Kshs 4.3B?” asked Hon. Eve Obara, underscoring the committee’s demand for clear evidence of the government’s support for the CBA.
As the session concluded, the Education Committee resolved to meet directly with the Cabinet Secretary for Treasury to seek a definitive government position on the funding. Committee Chair Hon. Julius Melly emphasized the importance of a swift resolution. “Students continue to bear the brunt of this academic disruption. The resolution of this dispute hinges on the willingness of you as stakeholders to agree and for the National Treasury to provide concrete assurances regarding the funding for the CBA,” he stated.
With students’ academic futures at stake, the committee’s actions underscore the urgency for government transparency and accountability in resolving the ongoing strike and securing a stable financial path for public universities.
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