Justina Wamae questions govt’s ability to meet lecturers’ salary demands
By Faith Lagat, October 25, 2025As the lecturers’ strike enters its sixth week, former Roots Party presidential running mate Justina Wamae has questioned the Kenya Kwanza administration’s strategy for funding university lecturers’ salaries amid a prolonged standoff between the government and unions.
Wamae questions govt funding source
In a post shared on X on October 24, 2025, Wamae cast doubt on the government’s financial capacity to sustain lecturer payments, linking the issue to the broader decline in Kenyans’ purchasing power.
“Back to basics, where does the government led by KK get the money to pay lecturers? If you say taxes, then what? Are you a taxpayer? But how can Kenyans pay taxes when even that purchasing power is not there?” Wamae wrote.
Her remarks came as frustration continues to mount over the ongoing strike, which has disrupted learning in public universities nationwide. The lecturers are demanding the full settlement of their salary arrears before resuming duty.
Unions reject govt offer
The standoff deepened this week after the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) and the Kenya University Staff Union (KUSU) rejected a government offer of Ksh 3.5 billion. The unions insist on the payment of Ksh 7.9 billion owed to lecturers under the 2021–2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
UASU Secretary General Constantine Wasonga maintained that lecturers would not resume work until the full amount is paid. “We shall not call off the strike unless we negotiate and sign, and the dues of Ksh 7.9 billion should be paid in full,” he stated.
KUSU Secretary General Charles Mukhwaya echoed the demand, saying the prolonged industrial action was caused by delays and mishandling by the Ministry of Education. He added that the government should compensate students for the time lost during the strike.
Govt appeals for patience
EducationCabinet Secretary Migos Ogamba, speaking in Nyamira County, said the government was still engaging the unions to resolve the dispute. “Our learners are suffering out there just because the government has not refused to pay, but on the amount to be paid,” he said.
Some universities have issued show-cause letters to striking lecturers, warning of possible disciplinary action. Wasonga dismissed the threats, urging administrators to allow dialogue. “Anybody threatening lecturers should stop immediately. We are ready for negotiation,” he said.
The unions also criticised the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), with Mukhwaya calling for its disbandment over what he termed misleading advice to the government. The industrial action continues to paralyse academic activities in public universities across the country.