Why lecturers want to have the longest tenure in public service

Universities Academic Staff Union Secretary General Constantine Wasonga has called for a uniform retirement age of lecturers. [File, Standard]

Lecturers in public universities are pushing the government to allow them an extra five years of before retirement.

They also want the government to give them money to buy books and subscribe to academic professional bodies for research work.

In their proposed 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the lecturers want the government to allow academic staff in public universities to retire at 75 years.
This will however come with an option of voluntary retirement at age 50.

Universities Academic Staff Union (Uasu) Secretary General Constantine Wasonga however, wants a uniform retirement age of all university tutors.

Presently, Dr Wasonga said retirement age is varied across all public universities.

“That’s what we are fighting against. It’s unheard of that retirement can vary yet they are the same workers doing the same work,” he said.

“We want a harmonised agreed age of retirement because in the public sector, if you are a teacher, for instance, you know your retirement age is 60 years. Can we have the same for lecturers?” He posed.

According to the document seen by The Standard, lecturers at Kenyatta, Machakos and Pwani Universities have pegged retirement age at 75.

While Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology and Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology send their tutors home at the age of 74.

University of Nairobi, Moi University, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Maseno University, Technical University of Kenya, Meru University, Multimedia University, South Eastern Kenya University, Murang'a, Kibabii, Kirinyaga and Karatina, universities have set retirement age at 70.

Other universities including Egerton, Laikipia, Kisii, Chuka, Tharaka and Kaimosi send their tutors on retirement at 65 years while at Turkana University they leave service at 60 years.
According to a circular issued on August 5, 2024 by Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service Felix Kosgei, the mandatory retirement age for public officers following the presidential directive should be pegged at 60 years and 65 years for persons with disabilities.

“The mandatory retirement age for academic staff in public universities, research and Judicial officers shall be guided by relevant legislation and guidelines,” said Kosgei.

Dr Amuyunzu Philip, a lecturer at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, pointed out that dons, researchers, and judges are exempted from the mandatory retirement age of 60.

"Thus, it is an item for CBA negotiations at the chapter level. This has led to varied retirement ages. However, the national office would wish to harmonise so that we retire at a common age,” he said.

Among other lecturers demands is a book and professional allowance ranging from Sh6,000 to Sh60,000, depending on the job group.

Lecturers argue that they have subscribed to international online academic bodies which strengthen universities' academic standing.

"The increment in the basic salary as well as book and research allowances for lecturers is aimed at attracting and retaining lecturers at public universities," he said.

While UoN provides Sh22,642 per annum, Moi and Rongo universities, provide Sh12,000, Garissa, Sh13,000, Meru, JKUAT, Technical University of Mombasa, Multimedia, Karatina, Kirinyaga do not have such a provision.

Wasonga demanded that universities enhance these allowances, especially for PhD holders, to make academic positions more appealing.
"To pay lecturers for book and research allowances in public universities will form part of the commitment to ensuring that research becomes the driving force of the development agenda of the institutions," he said.

Uasu proposes that professors earn Sh85,000, associate professors, Sh80,000, senior lecturers/senior research fellow Sh75,000, lecturers/research fellow Sh70,000, assistant lecturer/tutorial fellow/Junior research fellow Sh65,000 while graduate assistant/research assistant to take home Sh60,000.

These funds, Wasonga said, would enable lecturers to acquire necessary teaching and learning materials to supplement those already available in universities.

“Currently, the cost of attendance allowance for education-related book and supply expenses is determined by an institution," he said and advocated for greater support in this area.

He further called on the government to establish a Research Fund to help universities undertake special research projects and foster innovation.

Uasu secretary general highlighted professional allowances critical role in  mentoring young scholars.

"A Professional Allowance Fund is established for the purpose of assisting eligible employees to maintain currency and competency and to offset the cost of expenses including, but not limited to, subscriptions to scholarly journals, books, computer software, computer or other equipment, and professional dues," he said.

Wasonga noted that universities differ in how they support professors financially, with some offering Professional Development Fund for books, memberships, and conferences.

He revealed that many professors, rely on research grants from government agencies or private foundations to purchase books and materials for their research, which are typically aimed at advancing academic work.

“These grants are typically focused on advancing academic work and may include funds for publications, software, and equipment,” he said.

However, not all resources come from grants. Some professors depend on publishers who send complimentary textbooks in hopes that their materials will be adopted for courses

While this helps, many professors — particularly those in well-paid positions — still purchase books and professional resources out of pocket to stay current in their fields.
Wasonga also criticised the significant variation in allowances across public universities, calling it unfair.

"Currently, there is significant variation in the level of allowances and benefits payable to academic staff in different public universities, resulting in unfairness in compensation for similar work across the universities," he said.
The lecturers' proposal comes amid ongoing efforts by Uasu to push for the full implementation of the Sh13.8 billion 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
Uasu has accused universities of refusing to honor the agreement, leaving many lecturers under-compensated.

Wasonga stressed that professors play a crucial role in advancing academic knowledge and training students.

"Providing them with financial assistance for books and resources ensures they remain well-equipped to teach and contribute meaningfully to their fields," he explained.