The University Academic Staff Union has threatened to go on strike over delayed and partial salary payment. Speaking after the National Executive Committee meeting, Secretary-General Constantine Wesonga warned that this move could disrupt learning in all public universities as new and returning students prepare for the upcoming academic term.
Vesonga castigated the Technical University of Kenya for paying 65% of July salaries, saying, “The Union shall not accept any reduction in salaries for our members anymore. Any further delays in salary payment shall be protested.”
The other grievance by the Union is non-remittance of contributions towards retirement in National Social Security Fund, National Hospital Insurance Fund, and others that provide social welfare. In his speech, Wesonga emphasized the dire consequences of the delays: “Academic staff were suffering due to undervalued medical schemes, and retired staff cannot access pensions.”.
“This perpetual delay has subjected our members to immense suffering and embarrassment. The situation has resulted in a high mortality rate and continuous suffering of university workers,” Wesonga emphasized.
The Union has made it clear that unless these issues are addressed, there will be no learning in public universities starting September.