The university lecturers’ strike has intensified, with their union now accusing top government officials of misleading the court in the ongoing pay dispute.
The Universities Academic Staff Union (Uasu) filed a case alleging contempt of court against Education CS Julius Migos Ogamba, Treasury CS John Mbadi, Labour CS Alfred Mutua, Attorney-General Dorcas Oduor, SRC Secretary Margaret Njoka, and IPUCCF leaders Prof Fred Barasa and Prof Daniel Mugendi.
According to Uasu lawyer Titus Koceyo, the officials failed to comply with rulings requiring the payment of Sh2.73 billion in arrears from the 2021–2025 CBA and full implementation of the earlier 2017–2021 deal. The union argues that government agencies deliberately concealed facts, creating an impression that disputes could still be subjected to conciliation.
Uasu Secretary-General Constantine Wasonga supported the claims in an affidavit, accusing the IPUCCF of hiding that the 2017–2021 CBA had already been litigated up to the Court of Appeal. “No conciliator can rewrite a duly registered CBA or overturn a legal opinion rendered by the Attorney-General,” Wasonga insisted.
The lecturers are also challenging Justice Stephen Radido’s decision to suspend the strike, arguing it was based on misleading submissions that the Sh2.73 billion payment resolved the dispute.
Meanwhile, Uasu is advocating for a new 2025–2029 CBA with major improvements in pay and welfare. Proposed adjustments would see professors earn up to Sh305,000 in basic salary, alongside hefty allowances, retirement packages, and death benefits.
The case is set for hearing on October 6, when the accused officials will be required to explain their failure to honor court orders. Until then, universities remain at a standstill, with students and staff caught in the impasse.
