KENYA: Technical University Of Kenya Lecturers Strike Over Unpaid Salaries, Exams In Jeopardy

  By Lisbeth Micheni, Kenya

Learning at the Technical University of Kenya (TUK), has been disrupted for the third consecutive day as lecturers continue their strike over unpaid salaries.

The industrial action, which began on Monday, has left students in limbo, with upcoming exams now in jeopardy.

Striking lecturers, led by the University Academic Staff Union (UASU) TUK Secretary General, Dr. Fred Savanje, gathered near the university’s administration block, chanting solidarity songs.

They criticized the lack of response from the university management, government, and other relevant authorities, vowing to continue their protests until their grievances are addressed.

The lecturers are demanding immediate payment of their salaries, which have been delayed since September 2024.

They also highlight the university’s failure to remit statutory deductions such as National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF), National Social Security Fund (NSSF), and SACCO contributions.

Furthermore, they allege a loss of KSh 5 billion in pension funds, leaving many retiring lecturers without financial security.

“We are holding daily peaceful demonstrations, yet no formal response has been received from the authorities,” said Dr. Savanje.

He emphasized that the strike will continue until all salary arrears are settled and the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) is fully implemented.

With exams just a week away, students have been left stranded.

Many have resorted to studying under trees or in hostels as they prepare for upcoming Continuous Assessment Tests.

“Our students are expected to sit for their exams soon, but as things stand, lecturers are not in the right mental position to administer them,” Dr. Savanje stated.

Dr. Lynda Allan, another lecturer at TUK, described the strike as a resounding success.

“We are not backing down. Some of our colleagues are retiring with nothing to show for their years of service, and last week, we buried a lecturer who succumbed to depression over salary arrears,” she said.

UASU National Secretary-General, Constantine Wesonga, issued a strike notice on January 16, warning of a work stoppage if demands were not met.

The lecturers were promised salary adjustments and arrears in December, but no payments were made, forcing them into industrial action.

“We went for Christmas without salaries, despite being promised payments in December. It’s unacceptable,” said UASU Organizing Secretary, Onesmas Maluki.

As the strike continues, students and faculty await a resolution that will restore normalcy at TUK.

However, with no formal response from authorities, the future of academic activities at the institution remains uncertain.