Kamau Thugge approves Sh5.2 billion to pay striking lecturers

National Treasury PS Kamau Thugge in a past photo. He has granted the approval of Sh5.2 billion for the Ministry of Education to use in paying enhanced salaries and house allowances for lecturers. PHOTO | FILE | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • Lecturers have been on strike for three weeks since November 1, 2017, demanding higher pay.

The National Treasury has approved the release of Sh5.2 billion for enhanced salaries and house allowances for lecturers.

They have been on strike for three weeks since November 1, 2017, demanding higher pay.

HIGHER PAY

Principal Secretary Kamau Thugge granted the Ministry of Education approval to use the funds, a move that could signal the end of the strike that had paralysed learning in 31 public universities.

In a letter to Higher Education Principal Secretary Colleta Suda, Mr Thugge said the funds will be included in the supplementary estimates number 2 for 2017/2018 financial year.

Kenyatta University, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology and Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology have been closed due to the strike.

This is the third strike by the lecturers this year and it has affected the academic calendar for public universities this year.