Lecturers at Maseno University and other public universities in Kenya are currently on strike due to unresolved salary disputes and unmet demands from the government.
The strike, which began after a notice was issued by the University Academic Staff Union (UASU), reflects ongoing frustrations over delayed salary payments and the failure to implement a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) that was supposed to improve remuneration and working conditions for university staff.
The unions are demanding a salary increment of 7% to 10% for their members, as previously agreed upon, but they have yet to see any concrete action from the government.
The situation has led to significant disruptions in academic activities. In some cases, exams have been halted as lecturers who were scheduled to invigilate joined the strike.
UASU Secretary General Constantine Wasonga has emphasized the union’s stance, stating that they can no longer work under the same terms given the rising cost of living and the erosion of their purchasing power.
They argue that while other public sector workers have received pay adjustments, university staff have been largely ignored, exacerbating feelings of neglect and frustration.
Union leaders have called for immediate action from the government, warning that they will escalate their actions if their demands are not met.
They have made it clear that this strike is not intended to harm students but to advocate for better working conditions for university staff.
The unions have urged both the government and the university councils to address their grievances promptly, as the situation continues to threaten the stability of academic operations across the country’s public universities.
