Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) Julius Ogamba Migosi has appealed to university staff unions to accept the government’s proposed phased payment plan for the 2017–2021 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) arrears to end the ongoing strike and allow learning to resume.
Speaking during the conclusion of the Kenya Association of Technical Training Institutions (KATTI) National Championship Season Two games at the Kenya Coast National Polytechnic, the CS said the government remains committed to resolving the long-standing issue but within available financial limits.
Migosi explained that the dispute arose from the 2017–2021 CBA, which was signed before his tenure. “When it came to our attention that the amount had been outstanding, we raised the matter with the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC),” he said.
He noted that while the SRC had indicated the outstanding amount as Sh624 million, the unions demanded Sh7.9 billion. A verification exercise involving the SRC, universities, and unions later established the accurate figure is Sh7.7 billion.
“The discrepancy took time to resolve, but once it was clarified, we invited the unions for talks on how to settle the arrears,” said Migosi.
According to the CS, the government initially proposed settling the amount in three phases of Sh2.1 billion, Sh2.8 billion, and Sh2.8 billion across successive financial years. The unions, however, demanded full payment at once.
“Government finances are guided by the budget process. This historical debt was not included in the 2025–2026 budget, so immediate full payment is not possible,” he said, adding that the ministry had offered to shorten the payment plan to two phases of Sh3.8 billion each.
Migosi stated that Sh3.8 billion will be paid through the upcoming supplementary budget, while the balance will be settled in the next financial year beginning July 2026.
He urged the unions to consider the government’s financial position and resume teaching, emphasising that the offer reflects good faith and fiscal responsibility.
Migosi also pointed out that the government had already honored payments under the 2021–2025 CBA amounting to Sh9.7 billion, including Sh4.3 billion paid immediately after signing, Sh2.7 billion in the current financial year, and another Sh2.7 billion scheduled for the next financial year.
“This demonstrates the government’s commitment to meet its obligations despite fiscal constraints,” he said.
The CS appealed to the striking lecturers to return to work to avoid further disruption of learning. He expressed concern that current university students are bearing the burden of debts accrued before their enrollment.
“The students in universities today were not part of the 2017–2021 CBA. It is unfair to punish them for issues they did not cause,” he said.
Migosi assured that the government is working to balance the safety and academic progress of students with the financial demands of the unions. He added that institutions will need to recover the two lost months through measures such as evening or weekend classes.
He commended students for their patience and urged all parties to prioritize dialogue and cooperation to safeguard the academic calendar.
By Sitati Reagan
