Kenya's university lecturers dig in as pay talks collapse
The union says the government returned with almost the same offer it rejected on 1 October, and that the Treasury did not come to the meeting.
Nairobi — Talks between Kenya's government and striking university staff broke down on Monday, and the lecturers' union says it will step up the strike in public universities, Capital FM reports.
The Universities Academic Staff Union said the government's latest offer was largely the same as the one it rejected as inadequate on 1 October. Its secretary-general, Constantine Wasonga, said the talks had collapsed and the strike would go on.
What the union wants
- a credible offer from the government;
- the conclusion of the collective bargaining agreement for 2025 to 2029;
- a firm commitment that the national exchequer will fund the salaries of public university staff.
The union criticised the National Treasury for not attending the meeting, which was held with the government's inter-ministerial committee. Two other unions representing university workers also took part.
It said progress would require a revised offer and a clear plan for financing salaries, and urged staff to stay united.
The report does not give the size of the government's offer or say how many students are affected.
This report is based on reporting by Capital FM, via AllAfrica.
