By Rawlings Otieno
Learning in majority of the 18 public universities in Kenya has been paralysed after the University dons downed their tools over salary reviews.
A spot check by The Standard showed that the dons did not attend their lessons and others were not seen at all in the institutions.
Multimedia University lecturers and staff were not left behind as the nationwide industrial Universities' Academic staff Union, (Uasu) strike kicked off proper Wednesday morning.
Some of the Kenyatta University lecturers and non- teaching staff went on strike in solidarity with their colleagues in 18 public universities to demand for better pay on Wednesday. Photo: Moses Omusula/ Standard |
Students could be seen playing basketball as early as 8 am since there were no lectures.
The few staff who dared remain in the offices were flashed out to join the fray as their actions were seen as betrayal.
Uasu official, Dr Wanjala Iyaya spoke sternly warning that those who are not in solidarity with them will be surcharged due to their lack of participation.
"Should we fail to reach an agreement, the repercussions will be bad but we are ready for it," said Iyaya.
One of the students, Terry Muriithi allayed fears that the strike would affect the coming examinations that are set to start on Monday next week and called on the government to come up with a solution fast.
Multimedia University College Students Association (MUCSA) supported the strike saying it is their constitutional right to be in class and taught.
However MUCSA Chairman Gilbert Koech urged the Government to negotiate with Uasu quickly in order not to affect their examinations.
The university dons are demanding restructuring of their salaries and harmonization of allowances as was agreed between the Unions and the Inter-Public University Councils' Consultative Forum (IPUCCF) in June 2009.
