University dons have refuted the government’s allegations that the ongoing strike has something to do with the ministry of education plan to do away with the parallel degree programmes in public universities.

In a statement sent to media houses, UASU National Secretary General Constantine Wasonga said that there’s “no linkage whatsoever between the strike and the plan to scrap off the parallel degree Programme”.

“UASU clarifies that the 2013-2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) should have been implemented in 2013; and that our initial strike notice was issued before the release of 2016 KCSE results,” Wasonga said.

The lecture’s, who were responding to a statement made by state house spokesman, Manoah Esipisu on Sunday during his weekly briefing, further stated   that they have never been beneficiaries of the funds raised from the parallel programs and urged auditor general Edward Ouko to inform the government how the cash is being used in public varsities countrywide.

Wasonga said that no amount of intimidation or “paramilitary tactics” would compel lecturers to resume work until they sign a return to work formula with the government.

“Our members will not go back to work until they sign return to work formula and the 2013 collective bargaining agreement is implemented. We have just been on strike for a month and we are not in a hurry to end the strike,” said Wasonga

The university lecturers downed their tools on 18^th January after giving a one week notice given to the government to address their grievances failed to bear fruits.