Embakasi East MP Paul Ongili, popularly known as Babu Owino, has urged the Kenya Kwanza government to honour collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) with university lecturers to resolve the ongoing nationwide strike, now in its third week.

The strike, led by the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) since mid-September, has disrupted public universities across Kenya, stopping classes, halting research, and affecting over 500,000 students.

In a statement on Wednesday, the MP called the situation “one of the worst crises in years,” blaming it on chronic underfunding of universities and delayed payments to lecturers.

“The government owes Ksh7.9 billion from the 2017–2021 CBA and Ksh2.73 billion from phase II of the 2021–2025 CBA,” Babu Owino said.

He criticised the government’s priorities, warning that neglecting higher education risks losing public trust and pushing students and professionals to seek opportunities abroad.

“Education is not a political token. It is a right and Kenya’s backbone. Systemic funding is not optional; it is urgent,” the legislator stated.

University leaders have warned that continued disruptions could derail the academic year, impacting both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.

UASU National Chairperson Grace Nyongesa said no talks were happening with the government or university management. “We will stay on strike until our demands are met,” she said, stressing the need for full implementation of the 2021–2025 CBA and talks for the 2025–2029 agreement – despite Education Cabinet Secretary, Julius Ogamba, warning lecturers of disciplinary action and citing a court order to resume classes.

Tensions are rising, with some students threatening to join the strike if the government fails to act.