PS Inyangala: We're working to resolve issues at TUK

Higher Education Principal Secretary Beatrice Inyangala

The government is actively engaging all relevant stakeholders, including students, to expeditiously resolve the ongoing industrial action at the Technical University of Kenya (TUK), Higher Education Principal Secretary Beatrice Inyangala has said.

In a statement, Inyangala assured all parties that efforts are well underway to address all issues raised by the staff and the students. To facilitate this, she stated that a Technical Committee has been established to work with TUK management and other key stakeholders.

The committee's goal, she said, is to create a comprehensive recovery and sustainable strategy aimed at addressing the underlying issues.

“The issues under discussion require careful consideration to ensure long-term stability while minimizing further disruptions to learning,” the PS stated.

The Ministry emphasised that all parties involved are being consulted thoroughly to ensure the resolution is fair, balanced, and sustainable. Inyangala also reaffirmed government commitment to delivering quality higher education while adhering to the academic calendar.

She said they will work within the established legal frameworks and governance structures, including the University Council, to implement a lasting solution. The PS also called for patience from students and other stakeholders, stressing the importance of constructive dialogue in resolving the matter.

"Students are encouraged to remain patient as discussions progress, with the assurance that every effort is being made to restore normal operations without compromising academic integrity," she said.

Early this month, when the exams were to get underway, the staff members sustained their protests by holding peaceful demonstrations in the streets of Nairobi.

This forced the management to suspend diploma and undergraduate examinations, which had been scheduled to start on Monday, February 3-15.

In a memo to the students, academic registrar Moses Wamalwa said this has been occasioned by an ongoing strike by the teaching staff, who are members of the Universities Academic Staff Union (Uasu) and the Kenya Universities Staff Union (Kusu).

“Please note that the suspension takes effect immediately. Consequently, all diploma and undergraduate students are directed to vacate the University premises by 2.45 pm today Monday, February, 2025,” Wamalwa said in a memo addressed to all members of staff and student fraternity.