University students across the country face deepening uncertainty as lecturers defied Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba’s directive to resume work, insisting that the government must first clear billions in unpaid arrears.
The strike, now in its second week, has paralyzed learning in public universities, raising fears of long-term disruption to the academic calendar.
Speaking on Citizen TV, UASU University of Nairobi Chapter chair Maloba Wekesa and KUSU Secretary General Charles Mukhwaya dismissed Ogamba’s order as “disrespectful and uninformed,” saying the government had failed to honor key collective bargaining agreements dating back to 2017.
Wekesa noted that while the government recently disbursed Ksh2.5 billion, it still owes lecturers Ksh7.9 billion. He accused the CS of ignoring longstanding grievances.
“The very act of ordering lecturers back to class is impudent and an insult,” he said.
Mukhwaya blamed both the ministry and university councils for the crisis, arguing that lecturers had endured years of unfulfilled promises and poor working conditions.
Ogamba had earlier warned that lecturers risk disciplinary action and contempt charges if they ignore a court order suspending the strike. The Employment and Labour Relations Court directed both parties to negotiate in good faith, but unions maintain no serious talks have taken place.
Meanwhile, students remain caught in the standoff, unsure when normal learning will resume.
