University Strike Halts Learning as Lecturers Demand Better Pay.
Learning in public universities was brought to a halt as the Universities Academic Staff Union (Uasu) initiated a strike to demand the implementation of a salary increase agreement for lecturers.
The strike, which began on Tuesday, saw national union officials launch protests at the Technical University of Kenya and MultiMedia University, urging the government to fulfill an agreement signed just a month prior.
The strike was led by Uasu Secretary-General Constantine Wasonga, who reported that universities across the country had resumed the job boycott.
A survey conducted by Nation revealed that academic programs were widely disrupted in multiple public universities.
At South Eastern Kenya University (Seku) in Kitui County, the local Uasu chapter announced their intention to boycott a planned graduation ceremony on Thursday, October 31, 2024. Concerns arose that the event, expected to host the Cabinet Secretary for Education, Julius Migos Ogamba, as the chief guest, could face interruptions.
Uasu Members to Boycott Graduation Ceremony
Mboya Kivai, the chapter secretary, highlighted that senior lecturers, who comprise a significant portion of the university senate and hold key responsibilities in graduation ceremonies, would not attend as a show of solidarity with Uasu members nationwide.
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He emphasized the importance of lecturers in the academic procession, particularly for PhD students who are traditionally escorted by their supervising lecturers, who are all participating in the strike.
Implications for Graduation
| Graduation Ceremony | Details |
|---|---|
| Chief Guest | Education CS, Julius Migos Ogamba |
| Total Graduands | Over 1,600 |
| Event Type | University’s 11th since charter in 2013 |
In response, Seku Vice Chancellor Douglas Shitanda assured that the graduation ceremony would proceed as planned, using the available university staff. He clarified that the event, in his view, was not directly academic-related, and thus would not be postponed.
Shitanda confirmed that preparations were in place to welcome the Education CS as the chief guest, maintaining confidence in the event’s success despite the strike.
Uasu officials, however, noted that the graduation event would lack its usual ceremonial tone due to the absence of teaching staff.
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The university’s 11th graduation ceremony since receiving its charter in 2013 will confer degrees and diplomas to more than 1,600 students, albeit in a subdued format without the active participation of striking lecturers.
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