Lecturers in universities have vowed to continue with their strike until they are heard and their grievances addressed.
“We’ll go on striking till we strike a deal,’’ said Cyprian Ombati, the UASU Vice Chair, regretting that closure of universities had to happen as a collateral damage.
With approximately 10,000 Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) members from 38 public universities downing tools, Ombati clarified that the strike stems from the delayed salary payments, denial of annual increment, and denial of car loans and other mortgage schemes.
Dr Charles Mukhwana of Kenya Universities Staff Union (KUSU) recalls their last house allowance deal was signed in 2010.
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“We need to cushion against inflation with all grades being gifted an annual increment between 7% to 10% just like other public servants,’’ said the KUSU chief, adding: “These problems have been on the table for some while, but since the government has been busy kicking the can down the road, its high time we walked a new path.’’
Ombati recalled that UASU leadership has been dealing with either individual universities within their autonomy or the Inter Public University Council of Consultative Forum (IPUCCF). That path, Ombati feels, lacks transactional uniformity, thus costly for UASU to meet needs.
‘’Dealing with IPUCCF has been bitter sweet and elusive, making the government not fulfill its part of the bargain. Similarly dealing with individual varsities raises fears in mass staff migration to varsities with sweeter terms,’’ said Ombati, calling for inter-ministerial forum to directly deal with UASU.
By Amoto Ndiewo
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