PS calls on striking lecturers to negotiate for students' sake

Dr. Inyangala acknowledged that progress had been made in negotiations between the government and the university unions, namely the University Academic Staff Union (UASU) and the Kenya University Staff Union (KUSU). Agreements have been reached on several key issues, which include a 7% increase in basic salaries, an adjustment in the retirement age, the introduction of a car mortgage scheme, and the establishment of a National Implementation Committee to oversee the proper execution of the newly signed Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

The PS’s remarks came at a time when Kenya’s higher education sector is facing significant challenges, particularly financial constraints that have led to labour unrest. Dr. Inyangala reiterated the government’s commitment to improving the working conditions of university staff, even amidst these economic challenges. She emphasized that the welfare of university workers is high on the government’s agenda, and the agreed-upon measures will ensure that staff members have a conducive environment to perform their duties effectively.

However, Dr. Inyangala did not shy away from acknowledging the difficulties ahead, particularly in funding and maintaining these commitments. She reaffirmed the government’s determination to balance these staff welfare improvements with ensuring that learning in universities continues without further disruptions. "The government is fully committed to offering university staff better terms of service that will allow them to dispense their services in comfortable working conditions,” she noted.

Dr. Inyangala highlighted the central role universities play in driving Kenya’s development goals, stating that higher education institutions are critical to developing the manpower necessary for achieving the country’s long-term aspirations. She pointed out that universities must remain functioning and effective to continue contributing to the country’s socio-economic progress. In this regard, she called on all stakeholders to approach the situation with a shared sense of purpose.

" Students are the backbone of Kenya’s progress, and their education is essential for the development of the nation. We are committed to ensure the issue of  the University staff and lectures is amicably resolved,"she added.

This latest plea from Dr. Inyangala comes against the backdrop of broader reforms in Kenya’s higher education sector, including the recent implementation of a new university funding model. This model, which has sparked controversy among students and stakeholders, aims to make university education more affordable by offering up to 80% funding for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. While the government maintains that the model promotes equity, it has faced opposition from both public and private university students, some of whom argue that it leaves certain groups at a disadvantage.

Despite these challenges, Dr. Inyangala stood firm in her defense of the new funding model, highlighting its focus on ensuring that every Kenyan student has access to higher education. The model, she insists, is designed to reduce the financial burden on parents and guardians, ensuring that even students from the lowest socio-economic backgrounds have a chance to complete their education without facing insurmountable financial barriers.

She urged all stakeholders in the education sector to be open and give their views on the new funding model to the 129 member taskforce which was appointed by the president to review the new funding model.