The University Academic Staff Union (UASU) has threatened to organize a protest due to persistent salary delays and the non-remittance of statutory deductions. The situation has escalated as university employees face severe financial strain, impacting their ability to manage basic needs and services.
Financial Strain on University Staff
UASU Secretary General Constantine Wasonga has denounced the government’s and university administrations’ failure to remit statutory deductions for public university staff. He described the delays in salary payments as both “insensitive and inconsiderate,” underscoring the detrimental effects on the welfare of union members. “The union shall not condone any delays in the release of salaries to public universities in future and shall take action to force compliance in line with the provisions of the law,” Wasonga warned.
The financial difficulties faced by university staff are significant. According to Wasonga, the delays have led to several critical issues, including the non-remittance of National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) contributions and third-party deductions for loans and insurance. This has resulted in severe repercussions such as bank repossessions, penalties for delayed remittances, and an inability of retirees to access their pensions, forcing many into poverty and poor health.
Impact on Healthcare and Property
Wasonga highlighted that the delays have led to dire consequences for lecturers and their families, including the loss of property due to bank repossessions and the inability to access necessary healthcare. “Our members lose property due to repossession by banks and other financial institutions due to failure to service loans, and penalties on delayed remittances,” Wasonga lamented. He added that many lecturers are unable to afford healthcare, which is crucial for their well-being.
The situation has also led to dissatisfaction with the reduction of salaries at the Technical University of Kenya (TUK). Reports indicate that staff at TUK received only 65 percent of their expected pay, a situation Wasonga described as “unacceptable.” He criticized the university’s decision, stating that such significant pay cuts are unjust, especially given the current economic climate. “Don’t get used to 65 percent, because you did not offer your services at 65 percent,” Wasonga said, emphasizing the need for full payment for services rendered.
Wider Educational Sector Unrest
The UASU’s threat of protest comes in the wake of similar unrest within the education sector. Recently, teachers’ unions, including the Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) and the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet), announced their intention to mobilize for a strike in September unless the government fulfills its obligations under phase two of the 2021-2025 collective bargaining agreement. This agreement includes a proposed 7.9 percent salary increase scheduled for July.
In response to the growing tension, newly appointed Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua met with Knut officials to discuss the situation and explore potential solutions. Mutua has committed to meeting with the Teachers Service Commission next week to address the teachers’ grievances and hopefully avert the planned strike.
Conclusion
The ongoing issues with delayed salaries and unremitted deductions highlight a critical crisis within Kenya’s public universities. As UASU and other education sector unions prepare for possible industrial action, the government faces increasing pressure to resolve these financial issues. The situation remains fluid, and the forthcoming negotiations between the government and the education unions will be pivotal in determining the resolution of these pressing concerns.
