The Cabinet Secretary for Education Prof George Magoha has rebuffed rumours of a nationwide strike in all universities starting from the 12th of September 2022.
The Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) revealed that most public institutions of higher learning do not always pay their academic and other staff.
According to CS Magoha, the Ministry of Education had not been made aware of the impending industrial action.
“I do not remember getting a strike notice from any university. If a strike is not protected, then you know what happens,” said Magoha.
Magoha said that despite this he was willing to tackle the difficulties that universities have been facing.
He revealed that organizing a strike without notifying the appropriate authorities constituted a violation of the regulations of labour contained in the Constitution.
Besides, he revealed that the next government of President-Elect William Ruto will handle capitation and infrastructure development issues.
UASU demanded the complete execution of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) for 2017-2021.
Onesmus Mutio the national organizing secretary for UASU revealed that it is the National Treasury that has caused the delays in the remittance of the required funds.
“It is not our mandate to ensure that the government releases money on time. Vice-chancellors should be able to engage the National Treasury,” said Mutio to the media on Saturday the 10th of September.
On the other hand, a section of the UASU members has reached out to President-elect, congratulating him on his win and requesting him to prioritize sorting out the issues facing universities across the country.
The academicians called on the next regime to equip and avail technical and vocational education and training (TVETS) institutions.
“We are optimistic that Ruto, being an academic giant himself, will swiftly and efficiently implement procedures to rescue public colleges drowning in debt,” they said.
Universities are still struggling with loans, with their problems still deep-rooted.
Last year, Auditor-General Nancy Gathungu revealed the ever-increasing debts of Moi University, Kenyatta University, and the University of Nairobi.
Gathungu advised the affected institutions to decrease their personnel and expenses in order to address the issues.