The Mt Kenya Times 
Labour and Social Protection CS Alfred Mutua
By: Cynthia Masibo
The Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social Protection, Dr. Alfred Mutua, has initiated talks with university unions in a bid to end the nationwide strike that has disrupted learning in all 35 public universities. The industrial action, which is now in its second week, has brought academic operations to a standstill, affecting thousands of students.
Mutua’s meeting with officials from the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) and the Kenya Universities Staff Union (KUSU) aimed to create a framework for dialogue. Present at the discussions were UASU Secretary General Constantine Wasonga and KUSU Secretary General Charles Mukhwaya, who agreed to the formation of an inter-ministerial negotiating team. The team is tasked with addressing the lecturers’ grievances and drawing up a return-to-work formula that both parties can agree upon.
Also in attendance at the meeting was Shadrack Mwadime, Principal Secretary of the State Department of Labour, along with other senior government officials. The presence of top officials from multiple ministries signals the government’s intention to treat the matter with urgency.
Key issues driving the strike include the stalled negotiations on the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which remains unresolved. Over 800 lecturers and other university staff have participated in the protests, refusing to resume work until their demands for salary increments and allowances are met.
The unions have expressed frustration over the slow pace of negotiations and the failure to implement past agreements.
The inter-ministerial committee, set to start discussions on Thursday, will include representatives from various government agencies and institutions. These include the Ministries of Labour, Education, and Finance, as well as the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), public universities, and the State Corporations Advisory Committee. The unions will also have representation to ensure that their concerns are addressed during the negotiations.
Addressing the press after the meeting, Dr. Mutua stressed the importance of resolving disputes quickly to prevent disruptions in education. “We must deal with these matters before they fester. It is crucial that we address the underlying issues that lead to strikes, and ensure that once agreements, such as CBAs, are signed, they are honoured. Workers should also be informed promptly of any challenges that may arise,” Mutua said.
He also emphasized the ministry’s commitment to ensuring fairness and balance during employer-worker negotiations, promising to advocate for better communication and transparency in future dealings between universities and their staff.
The strike, which began on September 18, has had a significant impact on the academic calendar, with many students left in limbo as classes remain suspended. Union leaders have remained firm in their stance, stating that they will not call off the strike until concrete steps are taken to address their demands.
UASU’s Secretary General, Constantine Wasonga, reiterated the union’s position, saying, “We are fighting for our rights. This strike will not end until the government agrees to the terms of the 2021-2025 CBA.”
As the talks progress, both the government and the unions have expressed optimism that a resolution will be reached soon. The inter-ministerial committee is expected to work swiftly to bring an end to the standoff and restore normalcy in public universities.
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