“We Owe You”: Government Finally Admits KSh7.9 Billion Debt to Striking Lecturers

The government has finally admitted it owes public university lecturers KSh7.9 billion in unpaid salaries. The confession marks a turning point in the nationwide strike that has paralysed learning in public universities.

The revelation came during a tense meeting in Machakos. It brought together education officials, vice chancellors, the Inter-Public Universities Councils Consultative Forum (IPUCCF) and union leaders. For months, the lecturers’ unions had accused the state of denying the real figures. On Friday, the government confirmed they were right.

Principal Secretary for Higher Education and Research, Beatrice Muganda Inyangala, publicly acknowledged the amount. She said both sides had agreed on the KSh7.9 billion figure. “Following that ruling, I can confirm what is outstanding is KSh7.9 billion. That figure has been agreed upon between the vice chancellors and the unions UASU and KUSU,” she said.

Dr. Inyangala expressed regret over the delays. She admitted the standoff had hurt lecturers and disrupted learning across universities. She assured the unions that talks were ongoing to end the strike soon.

Union leaders welcomed the admission but demanded swift action. UASU Secretary General Constantine Wasonga praised the acknowledgement but criticised the government’s slow pace. “Now you’ve confirmed it’s KSh7.9 billion. How I wish you released it. The ministry was here, SRC was here, IPUCCF was here – what are you waiting for?” he said.

The lecturers have vowed to stay away from work until the government clears the arrears. They are also pushing for the conclusion of negotiations for the 2025–2029 CBA. Across the country, campuses remain deserted. Lecture halls are empty. Thousands of students are stuck at home, waiting for a solution.

Still, the mood has shifted. For the first time, there is hope. The government’s admission feels like a step toward healing. It signals accountability and a willingness to listen. After years of tension, there may finally be light at the end of the tunnel for Kenya’s public universities.