Senator calls on government to end lecturers’ strike

By Peter Ochieng

Busia Senator Okoiti Okiya Omtatah has urged the government and other parties involved to end the ongoing lecturers’ strike.

The Senator in a statement on Monday said the ongoing strike by public university lecturers has reached a critical point, since it has severely disrupted academic activities and left thousands of comrades stranded.

“The persistence of the strike, driven by the lecturers' determination to have their demands met, has created a difficult and uncertain environment for all stakeholders,” said the first term legislature.

“The Kenya Kwanza government’s inconsistent response—shifting between engagement and inaction—has only deepened the crisis, which has prolonged the impasse and exacerbated its negative effects.”

The students, Omtatah said, unfortunately remain the most affected by the deadlock.

“Many are confined to campuses with no access to classes, food, or essential support, leaving them vulnerable and frustrated. This prolonged inactivity is not only detrimental to their academic progress but also to their mental and emotional well-being,” he added.

The vocal legislature known for public centred litigations urged both the striking lecturers and the Kenya Kwanza government to prioritise the needs of the students and the future of the nation, by engaging in collaborative dialogue with urgency and sincerity to resolve the underlying issues and restore normalcy to the universities.

“The welfare and education of our students must remain central to these discussions. Their aspirations, progress, and potential are cornerstones of our nation’s development. We call on all parties involved to act swiftly and responsibly to bring an end to this crisis and ensure that comrades can resume their education in a stable and supportive environment,” said Omtatah.

Lecturers started their strike on October 29, 2024.

University Academic Staff Union (UASU) leadership declared that their strike will be on until the government heeds to their demands, as stipulated in the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

UASU Secretary General Constantine Wasonga called on the government to honour the negotiated return to work formula which had numerous benefits to cater for their welfare.