“We Can’t Pay All at Once,” Says Treasury as Lecturers Demand Ksh.7.9 Billion

The government has called on striking lecturers to accept their long-overdue payments in instalments, warning that a full payout is impossible. Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi told the Education Parliamentary Committee on Tuesday that the government owes Ksh.7.9 billion but lacks the immediate funds. He said a realistic payment plan is essential to safeguard the economy.

Mbadi revealed that the Ministry of Education first proposed three instalments. However, the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) and the Kenya Universities Staff Union (KUSU) rejected the offer. The government then reduced the plan to two instalments; one in the 2025/2026 financial year and the other in 2026/2027 but the unions again refused.

The Treasury chief emphasized the need for a sustainable approach. “We want to commit to arrangements we can realistically honor. Our economy is improving compared to last year when we nearly defaulted on foreign debt,” he said. He urged lecturers to acknowledge the government’s financial limitations and accept a payment plan that is viable.

Education CS Julius Ogamba added that the unions’ refusal forced the ministry to reconsider its strategy. “They insist on receiving the full amount immediately, yet the money has not been budgeted for. That remains our position,” he said. Ogamba also clarified that of the Ksh.7.9 billion claimed, the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) approved only Ksh.624 million as payable arrears. Of this, Ksh.200 million has already been disbursed, leaving Ksh.7.7 billion unpaid.

Despite the government’s stance, UASU remains firm. Secretary General Constantine Wesonga said lecturers will not return to classrooms until the full arrears are paid. He added that the 2025-2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) must also be fully negotiated, signed, registered and implemented before lecturers resume duties. He cited repeated government failures to honor past agreements.

The standoff leaves the government juggling economic realities and mounting pressure from lecturers demanding long-overdue payments. While Treasury pushes for instalments, lecturers insist on a lump sum, setting the stage for continued negotiations. Both sides remain unmoved, prolonging the uncertainty over when academic activities will resume.