As the ongoing lecturers’ strike enters its 15th day, there is growing concern over the disruption of university education across the country. The strike, which was initiated by the University Academic Staff Union (UASU), has been fueled by longstanding grievances over issues of pay and working conditions. Despite the mounting pressure from universities and the government, UASU remains resolute, urging its members to continue with the strike and resist any efforts to end it prematurely.
The strike has seen several University Management Boards (UMBs) send letters to lecturers instructing them to resume teaching, even as the lecturers’ demands remain unmet. The pressure from these university authorities has intensified over the past few days, but UASU is urging lecturers to remain steadfast. According to Dr. Constantine Opiyo Wasonga, the Secretary General of UASU, such actions are seen as intimidation tactics meant to undermine the strike and discourage lecturers from pushing for their rights.
Dr. Wasonga made these remarks during the union’s second appearance before the National Assembly Education Committee (NAEC) at Bunge Towers, Nairobi. The appearance was in response to an earlier request by the Inter-Public Universities Consultative Forum (IPUCCF), which had been directed to provide evidence supporting the government’s proposed Ksh 4.3 billion package to address the lecturers’ demands. However, the union’s leadership remains skeptical about the government’s proposal, questioning whether it will truly resolve the underlying issues.
One of the key issues that UASU has raised is the insufficient pay for university lecturers, particularly when compared to the rising cost of living. In addition to salary increases, lecturers have also demanded improved working conditions, including better infrastructure and resources to aid in their teaching and research duties. According to Dr. Wasonga, the strike is not just about money; it is about creating an environment that is conducive to both learning and teaching. “The working conditions at many universities are deplorable, and without a real commitment from the government, we cannot go back to business as usual,” he said.
The government’s proposal of Ksh 4.3 billion has not been well received by the lecturers. UASU insists that while the figure sounds promising on paper, it does not adequately address the scale of the problem. There is growing concern within the union that the money may not be allocated effectively, nor will it make the significant impact needed to improve lecturers’ conditions. Dr. Wasonga has called for a more detailed and sustainable financial commitment from the government to ensure that the issues are fully resolved.
As the strike continues, the impact on university programs has become more pronounced. Lecturers have been absent from classrooms, and academic activities across many public universities have come to a standstill. With final exams and graduations delayed, students are becoming increasingly frustrated. The strike has also led to a significant backlog in academic schedules, affecting both current students and those waiting to join the institutions. Despite these disruptions, UASU has stated that the strike will continue until their demands are met.
Student fatigue is growing, with many expressing concerns about the long-term effects the strike could have on their academic progress. However, the union remains focused on its ultimate goal—improving the pay and working conditions of lecturers. Dr. Wasonga emphasized that a resolution to the strike will only come when the government shows a genuine commitment to addressing these issues, especially by providing a clear financial solution.
The growing unrest among students and staff highlights the urgency of finding a resolution to the strike. While both sides have indicated a willingness to continue negotiations, a quick resolution remains elusive. As the 15th day of the strike draws to a close, UASU’s resolve to continue the industrial action remains unwavering, and the future of the strike will depend largely on the government’s willingness to meet the demands of the lecturers.
With university education already facing significant challenges, this ongoing strike is only adding to the stress and uncertainty in Kenya’s higher education sector. The question now is whether the government can present concrete solutions that will satisfy both the lecturers and the students whose education is being disrupted.
