Speaking on the sidelines of Africa ministers for Education conference in Nairobi, Dr Matiang’i said the government has no intention of renegotiating the deal.
The more than 27,700 universities staff have been on strike since Monday to push for the implementation of Sh10 billion deal for 2013-2017.
“There is no dispute at all. The government is not saying that there is no money or collective bargaining agreement (CBA) but we have to be understanding and accommodative,” said the CS.
He disclosed that he had directed University councils to immediately embark on new talks for the 2017-2021 CBA.
The CS observed that the decision to pay the staff Sh4.8 billion was done since the deal was signed at the tail end of the financial year but assured that the remaining Sh5.2 billion will be paid this financial year.
“The remaining money will be released as part of the capitation to universities. We must at all times as stakeholders demonstrate good faith and trust if we hope to develop this country,” said Dr Matiang’i.
The unions -- University Academic Staff Union (Uasu), Kenya Universities Staff Union (Kusu) and Kenya Union of Domestic, Hotels, Educational Institutions Hospital and Allied workers (Kudheiha) -- have insisted they will only call off their strike once they have been paid in full.
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