Dons Threaten to Paralyse Learning in Public Universities Over Salary Disputes

The Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) has issued a seven-day strike notice due to delays and partial payments of salaries. The notice, announced by UASU Secretary-General Constantine Wesonga, is set to take effect immediately and threatens to disrupt academic activities at public universities starting next month when new and returning students are expected to commence their studies.

Addressing a press conference after a National Executive Committee meeting, Wesonga criticized the current state of affairs, describing it as both “embarrassing” and detrimental to the welfare of academic staff. The union’s move follows a series of grievances regarding salary payments and the management of funds at public universities.

One of the key issues highlighted by Wesonga is the reduction in July salaries at the Technical University of Kenya, where lecturers were paid only 65% of their full salaries. This, Wesonga asserts, is a reflection of deeper systemic problems within the university sector and an indication of the government’s disregard for the financial stability of its academic staff. “You cannot be paying lecturers 65% of their salary; are they working 65%?” Wesonga questioned, underscoring the union’s frustration with what it sees as unfair treatment.

The UASU has expressed its discontent not only with the reduced salary payments but also with the persistent delays in salary disbursement. According to Wesonga, these delays have inflicted significant hardship on academic staff, many of whom are struggling with personal and financial difficulties as a result. The union has vowed to take strong action to address what it views as a violation of its members’ rights and a breach of legal obligations.

Moreover, the union has condemned the non-remittance of contributions to the Social Security Fund (NSSF), National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF), and various retirement benefit schemes. The lack of these essential contributions has exacerbated the plight of retired academic staff, leaving them in poverty and poor health, according to Wesonga. “Academic staff who have retired are unable to get their pension and are wallowing in poverty and ill health. Most public universities have dysfunctional medical schemes, and the failure to remit NHIF has worsened the situation. There is a high rate of mortality and suffering among university workers,” he lamented.

In response to these grievances, UASU has made it clear that it will not accept any further reductions in salaries or delays in payments. The union has pledged to mobilize its members to protest against these issues and to push for compliance with legal requirements. The threat of a strike, if implemented, would lead to significant disruptions in academic activities, potentially affecting thousands of students and further straining the already fragile education sector.

The looming strike highlights broader concerns about the financial management of public universities and the treatment of academic staff. As the seven-day notice period unfolds, both the government and university administrators will need to address these issues promptly to avoid a full-blown crisis that could impact the entire higher education system.

The situation remains fluid, with negotiations and potential interventions yet to be seen. However, the strong stance taken by UASU underscores the urgent need for a resolution to these longstanding issues to ensure the stability and continued operation of public universities across the country.