Lecturers from public universities have today returned to the streets after what they termed as a failure to have their demands implemented.
The lecturers matched to the Nairobi Central Business District earlier today stating their demands.
The strike enters its fourth week.
The lecturers are pushing for the implementation of their 2021- 2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement.
The lecturers had been
promised a salary increment of between 7 per cent and 10 per cent as part of the 2021- 2025 Collective
Bargain Agreement[CBA], but the government has only signed for 4.5 per cent which is
yet to be disbursed.
Outraged by what they see as a betrayal, lecturers across the country dropped their tools, demanding full payment.
The lecturers' strike has paralyzed learning in public
universities in the country, with students forced to stay home.
The only students in school are those from the private universities.
Apart from the Collective Bargaining Agreement, the lecturers
demanded access to medical cover, annual salary increments, and staff
promotions.
Earlier this month, The Employment and Labour Relations Court had declared the strike unprotected and ordered UASU to resume talks with the government.
The court also directed all parties to return to the
negotiation table and fast-track negotiations.
The nationwide strike started on October 29 2024 and since
then there has been no learning in universities.
Over the years, there have been lecturers strike and the most
affected are the students who are forced to graduate later.
The University of Nairobi Vice-Chancellor Margaret
Hutchinson had called upon all striking lecturers to return to work,
stating that the strike affected research, community service, and the general
operations of the University.
The VC also thanked the students for their patience during
the striking period.
Additionally, there has been a call by lobby groups to extend
the semesters in universities to cover for the time that has been lost during
the nationwide strike.
