Lecturers’ Strike Drags On Despite Sh4.3bn State Offer.
University students remain in limbo as lecturers refuse to back down from their nationwide strike, insisting on full payment of their demands.
The University Academic Staff Union (UASU) has rejected the government’s release of Sh4.3 billion, stating it falls short of the Sh9.7 billion required to fulfill their Return to Work Formula (RTWF). UASU Secretary General Constantine Wasonga has vowed the strike will continue until the government commits to paying the remaining Sh5.4 billion.
“We have taken the Sh4.3 billion, but the government must tell us how we are getting the Sh5.4 billion. This will not be done verbally,” Wasonga said during a meeting with the National Assembly’s Education Committee, which is mediating between the government and the union.
He urged union members to stand firm in their demands. “I want to tell UASU members, strike until you get money in your bank accounts,” he added.
The ongoing strike has left students stranded, with academic programs disrupted across the country. Many students remain confined to campuses without classes, essential support, or access to basic amenities, heightening their frustration.
Parents and students have called for an urgent resolution to the standoff, which continues to take a mental and emotional toll on learners. Last week, Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah joined the growing chorus urging both parties to resolve the crisis swiftly.
“The students remain the most affected by this deadlock. Many are stuck in campuses with no access to classes, food, or essential support, leaving them vulnerable and frustrated,” Omtatah said.
He implored the lecturers and government to prioritize the future of students and the nation, urging collaborative dialogue to restore normalcy in universities.
As the standoff persists, the pressure mounts on both UASU and the government to find a lasting solution, ensuring that education—a critical pillar of the nation’s future—is no longer held hostage.
Article By Suzy Nyongesa.
