Nationwide University Lecturers Strike Looms: University CBA Proposal and Demands.
Lecturers at public universities are set to embark on a nationwide strike on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, if their demands for a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA), delayed since 2020, remain unmet.
The Universities Academic Staff Union (Uasu) issued a strike notice after discussions with the Inter-Public Universities Councils Consultative Forum (IPUCCF) broke down.
These talks, which took place under the mediation of the Ministry of Labour on September 10, 2024, failed to produce a resolution.
Uasu had initially submitted its proposal for the 2021-2025 CBA on September 4, 2020. Despite the Ministry appointing a conciliator, no agreement was reached.
Key Proposals in the CBA Demand
Uasu’s proposal outlined several critical demands, including a salary raise. The union sought a basic salary increase to Sh99,650 for the lowest-paid lecturer (graduate assistant or tutorial fellow) and Sh338,146 for the highest-paid professor.
Currently, these positions earn Sh57,729 and Sh209,694, respectively. If agreed upon, by the end of the 2021-2025 cycle, the lowest-paid lecturer would earn Sh145,702, and the highest-paid professor would receive Sh494,415.
| Lecturer Position | Current Salary (Sh) | Proposed Salary (Sh) | Final 2025 Salary (Sh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lowest Paid (Graduate Assistant/Tutorial Fellow) | 57,729 | 99,650 | 145,702 |
| Highest Paid (Professor) | 209,694 | 338,146 | 494,415 |
Additional Grievances
Beyond salary increases, lecturers in some institutions are also pushing for the full implementation of the 2017-2021 CBA. Their complaints include delayed salaries and the failure to remit statutory deductions, such as pensions, loans, and insurance premiums.
Uasu’s proposal also calls for an increase in house allowances, with the union demanding a rise in a professor’s monthly allowance from Sh73,715 to over Sh116,000.
Additionally, the union wants the retirement age raised to 75, with optional early retirement starting at 50.
They also seek a non-contributory medical scheme covering employees, spouses, and up to five dependent children under 25, with full coverage for both local and international specialist treatment.
Proposed Leave and Promotion Policies
The union’s CBA also includes provisions for improved leave entitlements and clearer promotion guidelines.
Uasu demands 60 days of fully paid annual leave for teaching staff, along with pro-rated leave for new employees. In cases where staff postpone leave, it would carry over to the following year.
Promotions are to be based on academic and professional qualifications, research publications, and postgraduate studies. Uasu aims to ensure that promotion criteria are transparent, objective, and non-discriminatory.
The timetable for promotions would be consistent, with clear communication provided to all staff. Those dissatisfied with promotion outcomes could appeal to the Promotion and Appraisals Committee, with feedback given within 14 days.
| Demand | Current Status | Proposed Change |
|---|---|---|
| House Allowance | Sh73,715 for professors | Increase to over Sh116,000 |
| Retirement Age | Not specified | Raised to 75, voluntary at 50 |
| Medical Scheme | Contributory, limited coverage | Non-contributory, covers staff and dependents |
| Annual Leave | Varies by institution | 60 days with full pay |
| Promotion Criteria | Unclear and inconsistent | Clear, objective, based on qualifications |
Strike Impacts and Recent University Protests
The upcoming strike is expected to affect all 35 public universities and three constituent colleges. Uasu has emphasized that during this period, 30,000 employees will cease work, halting all teaching and other university activities.
The union claims that the government has failed to uphold fair pay for university employees, citing Article 41-2A of the Kenyan Constitution, which ensures fair remuneration.
This strike notice follows a series of protests across universities in recent years. In August 2024, Moi University lecturers went on strike over delayed salaries and unremitted deductions amounting to Sh4.1 billion.
Similarly, in October 2022, Egerton University lecturers protested over unpaid salaries and unremitted statutory deductions, leading Uasu to call for the dissolution of the Egerton Council.
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Other instances include a November 2021 strike at Moi University’s Medical School over withheld clinical allowances, and another in 2020, where Egerton University lecturers halted work to address a 40% salary cut and financial mismanagement.
These disruptions have resulted in significant setbacks, such as thousands of students missing graduation ceremonies.
Nationwide University Lecturers Strike Looms: University CBA Proposal and Demands.
