Lecturers and staff at Kibabii University, along with 34 other public universities in Kenya, commenced a nationwide strike on September 18, 2024, disrupting learning activities across the institutions.
The strike was organized by the University Academic Staff Union (UASU) and the Kenya Universities Staff Union (KUSU) following their unresolved grievances with the government regarding the delayed implementation of the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). This dispute has been brewing for several years, with university employees growing increasingly frustrated over unmet salary demands and delayed negotiations.
Reason for the Strike;
The primary reason behind the strike is the failure of the government to finalize, register, and implement the 2021-2025 CBA, which was meant to address salary and allowance adjustments for university staff.
Despite proposals being tabled as far back as 2020, little progress has been made, and the unions accuse the government of neglecting university staff while other public sector employees have received salary increments and improved benefits. This discrepancy has eroded the purchasing power of lecturers and other university employees, exacerbated by the declining value of the Kenyan shilling, increased taxation, and the rising cost of living.
The Chairman of KUSU Kibabii branch Prince Augustine Wafula asked the government to put in place proper ways to coup the alleged strike.
“We are urging the government to put in place robust measures to actually switch that they have addressed these issues. We need to fight, we strike a deal before these things end”, said Mr Wafula.
The unions, representing around 30,000 employees, argue that university workers are being unfairly treated compared to their counterparts in other sectors. For example, while public servants have received salary increases ranging between 7% and 10%, university employees have been excluded from similar adjustments.
This has heightened the frustration within the academic community, prompting UASU Secretary-General Constantine Wasonga and KUSU Secretary-General Charles Mukwaya to declare that university staff can no longer bear the burden of economic hardship caused by government inaction​
Impact on students;
The ongoing strike at Kibabii University has had significant negative effects on students. Academic programs have come to a halt, leaving students unable to attend classes, access lectures, or complete coursework. With the indefinite strike, many students fear delays in their graduation timelines, particularly those who were close to completing their studies or sitting for their final exams.
