The National Assembly Committee on Education has announced plans to meet with the Principal Secretary for Higher Education, the Cabinet Secretary for Labour, and the Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury to discuss the ongoing university lecturers’ strike and clarify the status of funding for implementing the 2021-25 CBA.
This follows a meeting in which lawmakers questioned the authenticity of documents relating to the Return-to-Work Formula agreed upon by the University Academic Staff Union (UASU) and the Inter-Public Universities Councils Consultative Forum (IPUCCF).
In a session chaired by committee chairperson Julius Melly, Prof. Fred Simiyu Barasa, Chairperson of IPUCCF, failed to provide documents proving the government’s commitment to allocate Ksh 4.3 billion to facilitate the reopening of universities.
Committee Members expressed concerns over the impact of the strike on students and the lack of concrete evidence regarding the Government’s commitment to fund the CBA.
MP Rebecca Tonkei, expressed disappointment over the lack of progress in resolving the issue, stating, “We are bitter because our children are suffering.”
“This Committee wants to resolve this matter. It is holding the nation and our students at bay,” stated MP Nabii Nabwera.
Lecturers strike: How much is government willing to release?
Legislators questioned documents submitted by Prof. Barasa, particularly those related to the Kshs 4.3 billion funding.
Committee Chair, Julius Melly, remarked, “The issues that are being raised by this Committee are on the validity and authenticity of these documents you have brought before us.”
However, Prof. Fred Simiyu Barasa, Chair, of IPUCCF, explained that the Kshs 4.3 billion figure emerged from discussions at the Inter-Ministerial Committee level after initial negotiations between UASU and IPUCCF stalled.
Committee Members remained unconvinced, demanding a tangible document from the Government confirming its commitment to the CBA.
“Where is the document indicating government commitment for Kshs 4.3B?” questioned MP Eve Obara.
Weighing in, MP Jerusha Momanyi further pointed out a recent letter from the Principal Secretary for Higher Education to the National Treasury merely requested a commitment letter, suggesting that no formal pledge had been made.
“You have tabled a letter from the PS Higher Education to the National Treasury written on 6th November 2024. In the letter the PS is requesting the National Treasury for a commitment letter on Kshs 4.3B for implentation of the 2021-25 CBA. This means the governmnet has not yet committed to paying this amount,” asked Momanyi.
The Committee resolved to engage the Cabinet Secretary for Treasury to get the government’s position on the budgetary allocations for CBA.
“Students continue to bear the brunt of this academic disruption. The resolution of this dispute hinges on the willingness you as stakeholders to agree and for the National Treasury to provide concrete assurances regarding the funding for the CBA,” said Committee Chair, Julius Melly who is also the Tinderet MP.
