The financial crisis at the Technical University of Kenya (TUK) has reached Parliament, with Funyula MP Wilberforce Oundo urging the government to take immediate action to address the institution’s instability. TUK, which was indefinitely closed on February 3, 2025, has been grappling with financial difficulties that have left staff without salaries and led to massive protests.
In his petition to Parliament, Oundo highlighted delayed salaries, unremitted statutory deductions, and the collapse of the university’s pension scheme as major concerns. He noted that the university, awarded a charter in 2013, has been struggling financially for years. The Auditor-General’s reports indicate that TUK is among 23 out of 40 public universities in Kenya facing severe financial instability, with pending bills amounting to Sh11 billion as of June 30, 2024. Additionally, the institution owes Sh5 billion in unremitted Pay As You Earn (PAYE) taxes.
The situation escalated when lecturers went on strike, demanding payment of salaries overdue since December 2024 and improved working conditions. The closure of the university followed these protests, raising concerns about the welfare of both staff and students.
Oundo criticized the university’s management for failing to meet its obligations under the Labour Relations Act and the Employment Act, which guarantee employees’ rights, including timely remuneration and favorable working conditions. He also raised concerns about over 1,500 employees who face uncertainty in retirement after their pension savings were lost. The High Court’s decision on July 5, 2024, to wind up TUK’s staff retirement benefits scheme has exacerbated their financial insecurity.
The MP called on the Ministry of Education and the university administration to outline concrete steps to resolve the financial crisis, compensate affected staff, and prevent future mismanagement. He sought clarification on government measures to stabilize the university’s finances, ensure timely salary payments, and remit statutory deductions.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba recently met with representatives from the University Academic Staff Union (UASU) and the Kenya Universities Staff Union (KUSU) to discuss a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). Ogamba emphasized that the ministry has developed a sustainable framework to facilitate a structured return-to-work formula for TUK workers. Key proposals include increasing student enrollment, improving the university’s organizational structure, and implementing proactive measures to prevent future strikes.
As discussions continue, stakeholders hope for a swift resolution to ensure TUK’s reopening and restore financial stability to the institution.
