Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua has urged workers' unions to allow time for the new Cabinet Secretaries to review their issues and engage them promptly.
In a statement on Friday, Mutua said the new CSs are quickly being briefed on various issues in their ministries.
He said he has been in discussions with them to engage in dialogue as soon as possible to address the concerns raised by various unions.
Mutua pointed out that most unions, which represent the interests of workers, are aware of the current economic, social, and political situation in the country.
"I believe they are patriotic and forward-thinking and therefore urge them to embrace dialogue," Mutua said.
He noted that in the spirit of amicable and pragmatic resolution of industrial issues, he has been in talks with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), KNUT, and KUPPET leadership.
Mutua said he is aware that the Ministry of Education and TSC are actively holding internal consultations on the unions’ concerns, and a way forward is forthcoming.
"Similarly, our team in the Ministry is already overseeing negotiations between the Ministry of Education and UASU leadership, and they will update me in a few days," he said.
"Go-slows and strikes should be the last resort after all else has failed."
He added that his Ministry, as a neutral mediator, is introducing an early warning system to address potential industrial unrest early on, encouraging open dialogue and genuine commitments from everyone involved.