Government Intervenes in Public University Strike as Negotiations Begin***Sub-headline:** *CS Alfred Mutua forms inter-ministerial team to address salary disputes and other concerns r

The strike by the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) and the Kenya Universities Staff Union (KUSU), now in its second week, has caused widespread disruption across Kenya's public universities. In response, Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Dr. Alfred Mutua initiated negotiations on Wednesday with union leaders to resolve the ongoing stalemate.

Dr. Mutua, in a meeting attended by UASU Secretary General Dr. Constantine Wasonga and KUSU Secretary General Dr. Charles Mukhwaya, announced the formation of an inter-ministerial negotiating team. The committee will include representatives from key government ministries and agencies, as well as the unions, and is tasked with formulating a return-to-work agreement and addressing the unions' concerns.

“We cannot allow these matters to fester and disrupt the education of thousands of students,” said CS Mutua, underscoring the importance of swift resolution and adherence to Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs). He assured that the Ministry of Labour is committed to fairness and transparency in negotiations.

The unions are primarily seeking salary increments, allowances, and other terms outlined in the CBA. Discussions will commence immediately, with both sides hopeful that normal learning activities will resume soon for the thousands of students affected by the strike.