Lecturers call off strike after talks

University lecturers and other union staff have called off the eight-day strike after an agreement between them and the university administrations.

The universities management committed to fully implement the 2010/2013 collective bargaining agreement (CBA) as had been previously agreed.

Labour Cabinet Secretary Kazungu Kambi said in a statement that the Sh7.8 billion disbursed by the government for 2010-2013 CBA would be paid in full to all eligible staff of the 30 public universities as salaries and house allowances.

“The dues will be paid by May 30 on modalities agreed upon by the union and the university management,” he said.

On their part, the universities management agreed to withdraw the cases lodged with the Industrial Court and ensure no victimisation so that “no employee suffers loss of earnings over the period of work stoppage”.

The agreement was reached after talks between the Ministry of Labour and Education that involved universities management and trade union leaders.

Learning was paralysed in the public universities after the staff went on strike which was prompted by failure to fully implement the CBA of 2010-2013. The agreement gave the university employees a total of Sh7.8 billion which was to be paid in tranches. (READ: Two more public universities closed)

Moi University, University of Eldoret, Laikipia University and Egerton University had closed and sent students home indefinitely.

Kenya Universities Staff Union secretary general Charles Mukhwaya welcomed the agreement.

In Mombasa, lecturers and university staff promised make-up classes for the teaching lessons lost during the strike. Technical University of Mombasa vice-chancellor Josphat Mwatelah told students to resume classes on Monday.

Moi University chapter also agreed to the return- to-work agreement but maintained that their ideas were not taken into consideration.

Additional reports by Rebecca Okwany and Copperfield Lagat