Learning in public universities across the country remained at a standstill on Monday as the lecturers' strike stretched into its fourth week. The lecturers have vowed to continue their industrial action despite assurances from the Treasury and Education Cabinet Secretaries that funds for salary increases and the recruitment of additional academic staff have been allocated.
At the University of Nairobi, students frustrated by a month-long disruption of learning joined their lecturers in demonstrations.
The protest began at the UON Graduation Square on Monday morning and proceeded into Nairobi’s CBD, with a key stop at the Parliament buildings.
“We are demanding the full implementation of the return-to-work formula, which totals Ksh.9.7 billion,” said Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) Secretary-General Constantine Wasonga.
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UASU Chairperson Grace Nyongesa echoed the sentiment, expressing disappointment. “None of the agreed items have been implemented. We are urging the government to honor the return-to-work formula,” she said.
The striking lecturers also marched to the Treasury building, demanding that Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi address their arrears without further delay.
The protest culminated at the Ministry of Education’s Jogoo House, where the lecturers issued a 24-hour ultimatum to Education CS Julius Migos to fully implement the return-to-work agreement outlined in the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Meanwhile, students left in the universities face uncertainty as their academic calendars remain disrupted with no resolution in sight.
