Ogamba Orders Striking University Lecturers Back to Class

University lecturers have been ordered to resume teaching immediately after Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba declared that key demands raised by the unions had been addressed.

Ogamba issued the directive on Monday, October 5, during World Teachers’ Day celebrations, four days after lecturers began their nationwide strike.

The CS said the government had cleared arrears arising from the 2017–2021 and 2021–2025 Collective Bargaining Agreements. He also said the government remained committed to negotiating and concluding the 2025–2029 CBA.

CS Appeals to Lecturers

Ogamba called on the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) and individual lecturers to obey court orders requiring them to return to work.

He argued that continued industrial action would disrupt students’ education despite the government's stated willingness to resolve outstanding matters through negotiations.

The CS further urged lecturers to place students' interests first as discussions over the remaining issues continue.

CBA Dispute Remains

The strike was triggered by disagreements over the implementation of the 2025–2029 CBA and outstanding obligations from previous agreements.

UASU had accused the government of failing to honour commitments contained in the November 2025 return-to-work formula and demanded a clear commitment on funding for the new CBA.

The union has also maintained that outstanding arrears remain a major concern, particularly amounts linked to the 2017–2021 agreement.

Ogamba's latest directive has therefore intensified the standoff, with the government insisting that significant commitments have already been met while lecturers continue pressing their demands.