University lecturers, under the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU), have formally agreed to return to work by Monday, after the signing of a return-to-work formula with the Inter-Public Universities Councils Consultative Forum (IPUCCF).
This will see the 2021–2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), valued at Sh9.7 billion, implemented in three tranches. While the first tranche of Sh4.3 billion is set to cover nine months up to June 2025, the remaining Sh5.4 billion will be disbursed in two instalments of Sh2.7 billion each.
“We had talks with the union. We have accepted their Sh9.7 billion offer to settle their Collective Bargaining Agreements. A return-to-work formula is currently in discussions, and we hope to finalise the talks by this weekend and have the lecturers return to work immediately,” Higher Education and Research PS Dr. Beatrice Inyangala, said during the 13th Chuka University graduation ceremony in Tharaka Nithi County, Sunday, November 23.
The PS added that 18 universities across the country stood firmly with the students and continued teaching, despite the nationwide lecturers’ strike that halted programmes in a number of institutions of higher learning in the country.
“The lecturers’ national industrial action has posed a significant challenge to universities across the country, disrupting academic programmes and creating uncertainty for students and staff. 18 universities stood firmly with the students and shared our vision of continuing teaching and learning to enable students to go through their studies according to their academic programmes. One of the institutions is Chuka University, which created a win-win environment with its lecturers,” she said.
This marks the three weeks long stand-off between University administrations and lecturers that have students and parents worried. October 12, 2024.
