After days of tension and stalled campuses, university lecturers have called off their strike following an agreement with the government to settle delayed salaries through a phased payment plan. The move brings relief to students, who were caught in limbo, and signals a shift back to academic normality.
Highlights
- Lecturers agree to suspend industrial action in exchange for a phased arrears payment.
- Government promises an initial instalment soon, with remaining payments spread out.
- Universities signal that lectures and exams will resume immediately.
- Education stakeholders stress the importance of honouring future agreements.
Main Story
Negotiations Reach a Breakthrough
After a prolonged standoff, the lecturers’ union and government negotiators have reached a compromise. The lecturers, who had suspended teaching and other academic duties, had demanded full payment of back-wages and implementation of their collective bargaining agreement. Rather than full immediate payment, the government has offered a phased instalment plan.
The Instalment Plan Explained
Under the agreement, the lecturers will receive the owed salaries in a series of payments. The first tranche is slated for release in the coming weeks, while additional payments will follow according to the schedule agreed. Union representatives say the deal isn’t perfect, but it provides a roadmap to restore operations and rebuild trust.
Students and Campus Operations Resume
With the strike now suspended, universities are gearing up to reopen lecture halls, labs and examination centres. Administrations have been instructed to adjust academic calendars as needed to make up for lost time. Students expressed relief that a resolution was found and hope that the course of their academic year will stabilise.
Looking Ahead: Dialogue Over Disruption
Education ministry officials and university leadership welcomed the deal, emphasising the need for continued communication with the lecturers. The strike is a reminder of the fragile state of labour relations in higher education and the potential impact on students across the country if disagreements are not managed proactively.
Read Also:
With lectures set to resume and payments about to flow, the question now is: can the goodwill from this deal pave the way for lasting stability in Kenya’s universities?
