Lecturers vow to down tools despite offer

By Stephen Makabila

Lecturers plan to go on strike despite the Government’s offer of a Sh2 billion pay hike.

The Universities Academic Staff Union (Uasu) says it is yet to receive official communication from the Ministry of Education, on the offer.

"If the ministry puts it in writing, we will make our stand known, but for now, the strike notice remains in force," said Uasu Chairman Sammy Kubasu.

At the weekend, Higher Education Assistant Minister Kilemi Mwiria was quoted as saying the Government has set aside Sh2 billion to pay university lecturers, who have threatened to down tools over delayed implementation of a 15 per cent pay increment.

Dr Kilemi had said negotiations with the Treasury were underway to have more money allocated in the supplementary Budget in March.

Uasu has issued a strike notice, indicating lecturers in all the seven public universities will go on strike from October 12.

On Sunday, Dr Kubasu said the union meets today to chart the way forward. He said they want the 15 per cent basic pay hike and a 7.5 per cent house allowance increment paid in full.

On June 18, the union and the Government also agreed the hike was to be paid in one installment.

"The Government representative through the Inter-Public University Councils Consultative Forum signed the agreement, knowing the Government can afford, and it has to honour its part of the bargain," said Kubasu.