The Ministry of Education (MoE) has unveiled a plan to establish a sustainable agreement framework aimed at facilitating a structured return-to-work strategy for staff at the Technical University of Kenya (TUK).
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba made this announcement following talks with union representatives from TUK, the University Academic Staff Union, and the Kenya Universities Staff Union. The discussions primarily revolved around the workers’ Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
“The key topics discussed included the return-to-work plan for university staff, increasing student enrollment, enhancing the organizational structure, and strengthening the overall university system,” Ogamba shared with the media after the meeting.
He emphasized the government’s dedication to preventing future strikes through proactive measures at universities nationwide.
READ ALSO:
Tragedy strikes as teacher perishes in accident, students nursing injuries
This announcement follows a week after violent clashes between police and TUK students who were protesting the indefinite closure of the institution. The students staged demonstrations at Jogoo House, aiming to petition Ogamba about the situation.
TUK had been closed since February 3 due to staff strikes over delayed salaries. Students demanded its immediate reopening and the resolution of staff issues to allow academic activities to resume.
In January, the university’s Senate had ordered the indefinite closure after the strike began. This decision was followed by the suspension of six students accused of organizing protests that disrupted exams.
However, on February 2, Vice-Chancellor Professor Benedict Mutua overturned the suspensions, explaining that the University Management Board (UMB) and the Student Association of TUK (SATUK) Council had reached the decision after consultations.
“The university has decided to withdraw the suspension letters of the six students. The Vice-Chancellor will engage with the affected students in a fatherly dialogue,” Mutua said.
By Joseph Mambili
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
>>> Click here to stay ahead with the latest national news.
