Public university lecturers in Kenya have commenced a nationwide strike to demand the full implementation of the 2017-2021 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). The industrial action began on Monday at the Technical University of Kenya, following the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum issued by the Universities’ Academic Staff Union (UASU) on August 26, 2024. Lecturers are protesting delays in salary increments, unpaid wages, and the non-remittance of statutory deductions, including pension contributions and insurance premiums.
The strike, which has paralyzed academic activities in several public universities, highlights the ongoing struggle between university staff and the government over the implementation of agreed-upon terms meant to improve the welfare of lecturers. Among the grievances raised by UASU are salary increments as outlined in the 2017-2021 CBA, consistent delays in salary payments, and the failure to remit statutory and third-party deductions. These deductions include contributions to bank and Sacco loans, insurance premiums, the National Social Security Fund (NSSF), the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF), and the virtually insolvent Staff Retirement and Benefits Scheme (TUK-SRBS) at the Technical University of Kenya.
Unmet CBA Terms Fuel Discontent
The 2017-2021 CBA was meant to address long-standing concerns over remuneration and working conditions for academic staff in public universities. It promised better salaries, improved allowances, and a streamlined benefits scheme. However, UASU claims that these promises remain largely unfulfilled, with most lecturers yet to see the agreed-upon salary increments reflected in their pay.
“We have been patient for too long. Our members have endured financial hardships and delayed salaries despite having signed agreements that were supposed to address these issues. Enough is enough,” said UASU Secretary-General, Dr. Constantine Wasonga, during a press briefing. He reiterated that lecturers would not resume work until their demands were satisfactorily addressed, emphasizing the critical need for the government to honor its obligations.
Impact on Students and Academic Calendar
The strike has not only disrupted lectures and examinations but also threatens to derail the academic calendar in public universities across the country. Thousands of students are now in limbo, with many expressing frustration over the interruption of their studies. The ripple effect of the strike extends beyond the classroom, affecting research projects, graduation timelines, and the overall operations of affected institutions.
Several students expressed their dismay at the ongoing strike, citing concerns over the uncertainty of their academic future. “We are the ones who suffer the most from these strikes. Every time there is a standoff, our education is put on hold. It’s unfair,” said one student from the University of Nairobi.
Government Response and Way Forward
The government, through the Ministry of Education, has acknowledged the lecturers’ grievances and called for a swift resolution to the standoff. Education Cabinet Secretary, Ezekiel Machogu, urged UASU to return to the negotiation table, assuring that the government is committed to addressing the issues raised in the CBA. However, lecturers remain steadfast in their decision not to resume work until concrete steps are taken to fulfill the terms of the agreement.
In the meantime, UASU has advised its members to remain united and continue with the strike until all their demands are met. The union has also hinted at the possibility of escalating the strike if the government fails to act promptly.
As the strike enters its first week, the spotlight is firmly on the government and university administrations to find a lasting solution to the impasse. The ongoing strike serves as a reminder of the persistent challenges facing the higher education sector in Kenya, particularly regarding the welfare of academic staff and the need for timely and adequate funding of public universities.
The resolution of this strike is not just a matter of fulfilling a CBA but is crucial for restoring stability and trust in the public university system. Until then, the academic future of thousands of students remains uncertain, with lectures vowing to keep their tools down until justice is served.
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