Lecturers and non-teaching staff at the Technical University of Kenya (TUK) have taken to the streets to demand the payment of salary arrears and the implementation of the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). The protest, which began on Thursday, January 23, follows the expiration of a seven-day strike notice issued earlier this month.
On Monday, July 22, the disgruntled employees gathered outside the university, chanting slogans and carrying placards as they marched in solidarity. In a dramatic display of frustration, one protester bore a cross, symbolizing the heavy burden they bear due to financial difficulties.
Leading the protest, University Academic Staff Union (UASU) TUK Chapter Secretary-General Fred Savanje condemned both the government and university administration for neglecting their grievances. According to Savanje, salaries have not been paid since September 2024, leaving many employees in financial distress. Additionally, he highlighted the university’s failure to remit statutory deductions such as the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF), National Social Security Fund (NSSF), and contributions to various SACCOs.
“We are holding peaceful demonstrations daily, petitioning the relevant authorities to address our grievances. However, we have yet to receive any formal response from the institutions we petitioned,” said Savanje. He warned that learning at the institution had been severely affected and would remain disrupted until the matter was resolved.
The lecturers and staff argue that despite assurances from the government, the CBA signed in 2024 remains largely unimplemented. UASU Organising Secretary Onesmas Muluki expressed frustration over the delays, revealing that some lecturers have not received their November and December 2024 salaries.
“We agreed that new salaries for university lecturers would be implemented in December, including arrears for October and November. Instead, we went for Christmas without the promised salaries,” Muluki lamented.
The strike has significantly impacted university operations, with students left stranded as classes remain suspended. The protesting staff have vowed to continue demonstrating until their demands are met, urging the government and university administration to take swift action.
As the demonstrations enter their second week, there is mounting pressure on the government to address the crisis. The lecturers and non-teaching staff remain resolute, emphasizing that only a concrete commitment to settle outstanding salaries and implement the CBA will bring an end to the ongoing protests.
