Kenya’s ongoing university lecturers’ strike brings to the forefront the deep-seated issues plaguing the higher education sector. At the heart of the strike lies a longstanding disagreement between the government and the University Academic Staff Union (UASU), as the latter demands the full implementation of the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which includes salary increments, improved working conditions, and other basic rights for lecturers. The failure of the government to honor its commitments has escalated the situation, resulting in a nationwide strike that continues to disrupt the education system and raise alarms about the future of higher learning in Kenya.
First and foremost, it is important to recognize the courage and determination of the lecturers who have heeded the call of their union leadership, taking to the streets, engaging in pickets, rallies, and protests. Under the leadership of Dr. Constantine Wasonga, UASU has stood firm, leading the charge for the fair treatment of university faculty. The support from students has also been crucial, with many showing solidarity in various ways, from joining the protests to offering moral support. Their involvement highlights the shared frustration with the systemic issues that continue to affect the higher education sector.
The demands from the lecturers are not exorbitant, nor are they a call for luxury. Instead, they are a fight for basic dignity and fairness. Lecturers are asking for a modest seven to ten percent salary increase, harmonized allowances, medical coverage, and improved pension benefits. These demands, if met, would go a long way in ensuring that lecturers can sustain themselves and their families, without struggling to meet the basic costs of living such as paying rent, school fees, and fueling their cars.
The government, however, has been slow to respond and has offered little more than token gestures, blowing hot and cold in its approach. The situation has become a battle for respect and recognition lecturers are not demanding the high salaries enjoyed by politicians or state officers, but rather the acknowledgment of their essential contribution to the nation’s development through higher education.
This strike is not merely a protest over the conditions of lecturers; it is a warning against a broader trend of economic inequality that threatens the entire fabric of society. If lecturers are made to sacrifice their modest demands for better pay and conditions, it sets a dangerous precedent for other sectors of the economy. The constant erosion of workers’ rights and benefits, whether through wage stagnation or reduced pensions, only contributes to the deepening chasm between the wealthy elite and the majority of Kenyans.
The strike also underscores the systemic issues in Kenya’s public sector, where strikes have become an all-too-frequent response to unfulfilled promises and poor governance. Labor strikes, especially in the education sector, disrupt the academic calendar, delay exams, and prevent graduates from entering the workforce on time. The knock-on effect of these disruptions is felt throughout the economy, as the supply of skilled labor is delayed, ultimately affecting productivity and national growth.
Moreover, the instability caused by recurrent strikes damages the reputation of Kenya’s education system. Students, both local and international, may be deterred from enrolling in Kenyan universities if they perceive the system as unreliable or unstable. This presents a significant threat to the country’s aspirations of becoming an educational hub in Africa.
The government must take immediate steps to address these issues, beginning with transparent and reliable budget management. Proactive engagement with unions, particularly UASU, is essential to prevent further strikes and ensure that the agreements made are implemented without delay. Strengthening dialogue and trust between the government and labor unions will be key in ensuring stability in the education sector, allowing universities to fulfill their mandate effectively and without interruption.
In conclusion, the UASU strike is not just a fight for lecturers’ rights; it is a battle for the future of education in Kenya. By addressing the needs of university staff, the government can help ensure that the country’s education system remains strong, stable, and accessible to all. Without proper attention to these concerns, the consequences could be felt for generations to come.
