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UASU Egerton chapter has faulted the university management over unpaid salary arrears and a lack of clear succession planning ahead of the VC’s exit, accusing the administration of prioritizing suppliers and top officials over ordinary workers.
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The union said the administration has presided over prolonged industrial disputes marked by what it termed utter disregard for court orders and judgements.
The Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) Egerton University Chapter has faulted the university management over unpaid salary arrears and a lack of clear succession planning ahead of the Vice Chancellor’s exit, accusing the administration of prioritizing suppliers and top officials over ordinary workers.
In a press statement signed by chapter secretary Dr. Grace Kibue, the union said the administration has presided over prolonged industrial disputes marked by what it termed utter disregard for court orders and judgements.
The union said arrears dating back to 2018 and amounting to more than Ksh2 Billion remain unpaid, with management classifying the debt as pending bills even as it selectively settles similar claims for top managers, including the chief executive.
The union questioned the university’s commitment to integrity, which it said is both a constitutional requirement for public officers and one of the institution’s stated core values. The union claimed that the financial distress has driven massive staff resignations and related mental health complications.
The statement also raised alarm over unremitted deductions covering pension benefits, SACCOs, insurance premiums, gratuities, medical and teaching claims, which it said run into billions of shillings and remain unresolved despite the timely settlement of dues for select top officials.
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Turning to leadership succession, the union said the university has failed to prepare for the exit of Vice Chancellor Prof. Isaac Kibwage, whose tenure is due to end in October 2026.
The union further alluded that students were allegedly being approached to recommend an extension of the VC’s contract, a move it said has no backing under the Universities Act of 2016
The union noted that the law provides for a five-year vice chancellor’s term renewable only once, with no room for further extension. It called on Prof. Kibwage to proceed on terminal leave without delay to allow recruitment of a successor.
UASU Egerton also warned that if the council fails to act on its petition, they will pursue all available options, including legal action and industrial action, to protect its members and the institution.
By Benedict Aoya
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