The ongoing strike by university lecturers has left students stranded at home, with no resolution in sight. A recent attempt to resolve the impasse failed once again when a meeting convened by the National Assembly Committee on Education was abruptly called off. The meeting was intended to discuss the strike and assess the government’s commitment to investing Ksh. 4.3 billion to reopen universities and facilitate the return of students to class. However, the Inter-Public Universities Councils Consultative Forum (IPUCCF) failed to provide the required documents to prove that the government was prepared to make the necessary financial commitment.

Fred Simiyu Baraza, the Chairman of the Inter-Public Universities Councils Consultative Forum (IPUCCF), revealed that the council had managed to secure Ksh. 1.6 billion as part of an attempt to resolve the ongoing strike by university lecturers. This amount was offered as part of efforts to meet the financial requirements needed to implement the “Back to Work” formula, a proposal aimed at ending the deadlock and reopening universities. However, the lecturers’ unions rejected the Ksh. 1.6 billion, arguing that it was insufficient to meet their demands. The unions are insisting on a larger sum of Ksh. 9.6 billion, which they argue is necessary to fully implement the agreed-upon formula and address issues related to lecturers’ pay and working conditions.

The committee, led by Chairman Julius Melly, was forced to summon three key Cabinet Secretaries to address the issue. Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Magoha, Labour CS Alfred Mutua, and National Treasury CS John Mbadi have been asked to appear before the committee next week.

They are expected to provide detailed explanations on the government’s efforts to resolve the strike and outline concrete steps to bring lecturers back to work and ensure that students can resume their studies.

The prolonged strike has caused significant disruption to university education, leaving students with an uncertain academic future. With universities still closed and no clear resolution in sight, students are facing delays in their studies. The situation is further complicated by the failure of the government and the lecturers’ union to reach an agreement on key issues, including funding and lecturers’ pay.

Until the dispute is resolved, students will continue to remain at home, and the government faces mounting pressure to take decisive action to end the strike and restore normalcy to university education. The upcoming appearance of the Cabinet Secretaries is seen as a critical step in addressing the crisis.

The family of former President Uhuru Kenyatta is in mourning following the passing of William Maina Gakuo, the brother of Margaret Kenyatta, the former First Lady of Kenya. Gakuo, who was the brother-in-law of the former head of state, passed away recently, leaving behind a legacy that touched many lives.

His death has brought sorrow to the Kenyatta family, who have expressed their deep grief during this difficult time.

William Maina Gakuo, whose contributions to various sectors will be remembered, was a respected figure in both his personal and professional circles. As the brother of Margaret Kenyatta, Gakuo played an important role within the extended Kenyatta family, and his passing has left a profound impact on them.

The family has made arrangements for his funeral, which is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, November 12. Before the final send-off, family and close friends will gather at his home in Karen for the funeral preparations. The gathering is expected to be a solemn occasion, with family members, friends, and well-wishers coming together to honor Gakuo’s life and legacy.

As the Kenyatta family mourns this loss, many will remember Gakuo not just as a family member but also for his contributions and the positive influence he had in his community

A 19-year-old student, Calistus Wamboye Oteu, from Eburere Secondary School in Kakamega County, tragically passed away under mysterious circumstances while waiting to sit for his 2024 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams. The incident occurred in the classroom, leaving both classmates and family members in deep shock.

According to reports, Calistus was in good health and preparing for his exams when he suddenly collapsed, shortly before the start of the scheduled examination. Despite efforts to revive him, the young student was pronounced dead at the scene. The exact cause of his death remains unclear, prompting his family to seek further investigation.

The cause of his sudden death remains unclear, and authorities have launched an investigation to determine what led to the tragedy. The family, devastated by the loss, is seeking answers as they struggle to understand how their son, full of promise and just days away from his exams, passed away so unexpectedly.

In the wake of his death, Calistus’ body has been transferred to St. Mary’s Mission Hospital Morgue in Mumias, where a postmortem will be conducted to establish the exact cause of death. The results of the postmortem are eagerly awaited by the family and the community, who are hoping for clarity and closure.