Staff take to streets as learning in public universities grinds to a halt

UASU and Kenya Universities Staff Union members demonstrate at Technical University of Mombasa on September 18, 2024. [Kelvin Karani, Standard]

The education sector is facing a fresh paralysis after lecturers in public universities went on strike, disrupting learning and sending the government back to the drawing board.

The dons vowed they will not resume teaching until their demands are met. Members of the Universities Academic Staff Union (Uasu) are demanding implementation of the 2021-2025 Collective Bargain Agreement.

At Maseno, Kabianga, Moi, Maasai Mara, Kisii and Masinde Muliro universities, striking lecturers staged protests on the streets, chanting solidarity slogans. They criticised the government for not addressing their concerns.

At the University of Kabianga (UoK) in Kericho County, operations were brought to a standstill after over 400 members of Uasu and those of the Kenya Universities Staff Union (KUSU) downed their tools.

UoK Kericho chapter chairman Musa Abudo declared that the 200 lecturers and 200 administrative workers would not resume their duties until their demands were met.

He also called for full implementation of the CBA, which the university had failed to for. “The university has not implemented the local Collective Bargaining Agreement. We will strike until we reach a deal,” said Abudo.

In Narok County, Uasu members at Maasai Mara University declared a shutdown to push for implementation of the CBA.

They were joined by the University staff union (KUSU) and a section of students in a peaceful procession inside the university before addressing the media.

Similarly, lecturers and non-teaching staff from the University of Eldoret and Moi University downed their tools and joined the nationwide protests.

Grievances sorted out

Led by their union leaders Uasu branch Secretary Philip Chebunet and Robinson Korir, the KUSU Secretary General, they vowed not go back to class until their grievances are sorted out.

“We will not accept to have our universities sink into problems because of poor policies by the government like the new funding model,” said Chebunet.

At MMUST, striking workers accused the government of discrimination. Ronald Wamalwa, UASU MMUST Chapter Secretary General, said the government has failed to negotiate their salary increment for four years.

“Our basic salary increment, medical and house allowances have not been negotiated for four years,” said Wanjala.

At Kirinyaga University, there was drama as Vice Chancellor Charles Omwandho dismissed the strike and claimed the lecturers were supposed to be in class.

The 150 dons held a peaceful procession from lecturer halls towards the gate before the VC confronted them and forced the security guards to close the gate and not allow them back.

Uasu chairman Robert Gitau said they will write to the university to protest the DVC’s actions. UASU Secretary General Dr Lucas Macharia said the CBA must be implemented. “We are forcing the government to effect the 2017-2021 CBA since it has overstayed,” he said.

At Murang’a University of Technology (MUT), however, the strike failed to take place after lecturers failed to turn up. The lecturers went to their lecturer rooms as UASU officials waited for them.

Dr Stephen Njenga, the Murang’a UASU chapter chairman said members failed to turn up but promised to mobilise them and join the others from other universities.

At Karatina University in Nyeri County, lecturers marched out of the premises, carrying placards and chanting songs in solidarity with their fellow educators.

In Dedan Kimathi University of Technology (DEKUT), the situation was similar, with KUSU Secretary General Zakayo Kamangu saying they have been negotiating since February with the government.

“This is not a decision we’ve made lightly, but we have exhausted all other options. The future of our universities and education of our students depends on the government meeting our reasonable demands. Our universities will collapse because of the new funding model and unpaid salaries,” he said.

He added that lecturers have vowed to continue their protest until a resolution is reached.

At Kisii University, more than 600 workers comprising lecturers and other staff gathered at the university’s pavilion and pledged not to return to work until their demands were met.

Led by KUSU branch Secretary General Moses Nyandusi, they expressed their frustrations and demands which they said have affected them for too long starting with 2021/2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement, and urged Education Cabinet Secretary Ogamba Migosi to address delayed negotiations of the CBA .

The workers also questioned the proposed funding model which they said failed to outline how salaries for staff will be sustained.

“The proposed funding model is concerning, a funding model that does not prioritize staff is not viable, we demand a clear plan for how salaries will be paid in this new structure, “said Nyandusi.

[Reporting by Sammy Omingo, Amos Kiarie, Jane Mugambi, Boniface Gikandi, George Sayagie, Peter Ochieng, Nikko Tanui, Benard Lusigi and Mary Imenza]