Lecturers of public universities in Rift Valley now want the government to urgently address challenges facing the institutions that have been aggravated by poor pay.
Led by Daniel Soi from Kabianga University, they observed that poor remuneration of lecturers has demoralized them, forcing some to move to other fields.
Speaking in Kericho town, Soi accused the government of failing to implement the 2017-2021 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), leading to industrial action.
“We have so many challenges in the education sector, which include poor remuneration and underfunding. Sad enough, the government has not shown any interest to address the same,” he noted.
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According to him, staff of Moi University has gone for several months without salaries, with other universities paying half salaries due to lack of funds.
He wondered how the government will manage all the demands from lecturers, considering that the 2021-2025 CBA is yet to be discussed.
Soi pointed out that crucial projects and programmes have also stalled, saying if the situation is to be salvaged, urgent intervention should be taken.
“I wonder how the government will manage all our demands considering we are yet to start talks about the 2021-2025 CBA. As we talk, many projects and programmes have stalled due to lack of funds. This must be resolved urgently,” added Soi
The lecturers claimed they are the most despised public servants, further expressing fear that students could indulge in crime due to idleness occasioned by the ongoing strike by lecturers and other university staff.
By Kimutai Lang’at
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