Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has appealed to striking lecturers and the government to resolve the ongoing Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) strike, which has severely disrupted academic activities in public universities.
In a statement on Monday, November 18, the Senator highlighted the strike’s critical impact, leaving thousands of students stranded and academic progress at a standstill. He criticized the government’s inconsistent approach to addressing lecturers’ demands, accusing it of exacerbating the crisis.
“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,” Omtatah said.
“The KK government’s inconsistent response—shifting between engagement and inaction—has only deepened the crisis, prolonging the impasse and worsening its effects.” He added.
Omtatah expressed concern over the plight of students, who remain confined to campuses without access to essential services, classes, or food.
“The students, unfortunately, are the most affected by this deadlock. Many are confined to campuses with no access to classes, food, or essential support, leaving them vulnerable and frustrated. This prolonged inactivity is detrimental not only to their academic progress but also to their mental and emotional well-being,” he noted.
The Senator urged both parties to prioritize students’ needs and engage in sincere dialogue to resolve the crisis.
“We urge both the striking lecturers and the KK government to engage in collaborative dialogue with urgency and sincerity to resolve the underlying issues and restore normalcy to the universities,” he added.
The UASU strike has disrupted learning in Kenya’s public universities for over two months as lecturers demand the settlement of salary-related arrears amounting to over Ksh 11 billion.
At Moi University, tensions have escalated after UASU officials were suspended and barred from accessing the campus. UASU branch secretary Ojuki Nyabuta confirmed the suspension letters, signed by Deputy Vice Chancellor for Administration Professor Kirimi Kiriamiti, but vowed to continue with the strike.
“We have received the suspension letters and are blocked from entering the main campus of the university. We will not be shaken and remain on strike until we are paid all our salary-related dues,” Nyabuta asserted.
Despite attempts by Parliament to mediate, the strike persists, with UASU standing firm on its demands for a 7-10% salary increase and improved working conditions, as previously agreed with the government.
