University workers vow to press on with strike

Egerton University Director for Gender and Sports in the student’s council Gabriel Kanja (center) flanked by drama club members addressing the press at the university main campus in Njoro, Nakuru County on March 13,2018.  Photo:Kipsang Joseph/Standard

University employees have vowed to continue with their strike until the Government responds to issues raised in their 2017-2021 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

The employees drawn from University Academic Staff Union (Uasu), Kenya University Staff Union (Kusu) and Kenya Union of Domestic, Hotels, Educational Institutions, Hospitals and Allied Workers (Kudhiha) yesterday accused the Government of unwillingness to negotiate.

George Kegode, chairman of Uasu Moi University Chapter, told the Press that the move by Inter-Public Universities Council Consultative Forum (IPUCCF) to withdraw from the negotiating table would not help end paralysis in the universities.

Andrew Kipchoge, treasurer of Kusu Moi University Chapter, said the only way for the Government to ensure learning resumed in the public universities was through a complete negotiation and implementation of the 2017-2021 CBA.

The employees, in their second week of a nationwide strike, have vowed to continue with their protest until their demands are met.

A visit to Egerton University main campus in Njoro, Nakuru County, revealed that no academic activities are going on with only a few students left behind. Lecturers report to the institution for picketing in the morning and leave at noon.

“We presented our proposal to the Government but we are yet to get their counter-proposal,” said Mr Mwangangi.