Education Cabinet Secretary Migos Ogamba has ordered university lecturers to resume duty immediately, warning of disciplinary action against those defying a High Court order suspending their ongoing strike.
The directive comes as the lecturers’ strike, now in its second week, continues to disrupt learning across public universities, leaving thousands of students stranded.
Speaking in Mombasa, CS Ogamba confirmed that the government has released Ksh.2.5 billion to address some of the grievances raised, particularly under Phase 2 of the 2021–2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
“Court orders are to be obeyed, or else you will be in contempt. We have done a lot in the sector, and all grievances can be addressed without strikes that hurt learners,” Ogamba stated.
However, the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) maintains that the government has failed to fully honor its obligations. UASU officials argue that despite the release of funds, lecturers are still owed Ksh.7.9 billion in arrears under the 2017 CBA, a matter already upheld in court.
UASU’s University of Nairobi Chapter Secretary, Dr. Maloba Wekesa, accused the State of neglecting lecturers’ welfare, insisting that the strike will continue until all pending dues are settled.
As the standoff deepens, students remain uncertain about the resumption of learning, caught between government directives and lecturers’ demands for justice.
