Lecturers at Pwani University have officially joined their counterparts in the nationwide strike over the failure to implement the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

The strike, which has paralyzed learning in several public universities across Kenya, is a result of prolonged disputes between university staff and the government regarding salary increments and other employment benefits.

Led by the Secretary General of the Kenya University Staff Union (KUSU), Pwani Chapter, Wycliffe Otieno, the lecturers staged a peaceful demonstration within the university grounds. They marched from various lecture halls to the administration block, chanting slogans and carrying placards demanding their grievances be addressed. “Negotiations at the national level have failed to yield any results. We have no choice but to down our tools until the government listens to us,” Otieno said during the protest.

Key Grievances

The staff highlighted several key issues that remain unresolved, including the need for salary increments, promotions, and relief from the rising taxation burden. They emphasized that the rising cost of living has made it difficult for university employees to meet their financial obligations, particularly given their stagnant wages.

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“We are not just striking for ourselves, but for the future of higher education in this country. The government must take our concerns seriously,” said one lecturer who preferred to remain anonymous.

In addition to salary increases, many lecturers are demanding promotions that have been overdue for years. Some claim that despite meeting the requirements for promotion, their requests have been ignored, leading to dissatisfaction among the staff. The high taxation introduced by the government in recent years has also compounded their financial struggles, leaving many unable to keep up with the cost of basic needs.

National Strike Gains Momentum

The Pwani University strike is part of a larger movement involving university lecturers and staff across Kenya, who are frustrated by the government’s failure to implement the 2021-2025 CBA. The agreement, which was supposed to offer salary increments and improved working conditions, has yet to be fully implemented. As a result, the Kenya University Staff Union (KUSU) and the University Academic Staff Union (UASU) have mobilized their members to halt university operations across the country.

In a statement earlier this week, UASU officials noted that despite numerous meetings with government representatives, including officials from the Ministry of Education and the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), no tangible solutions have been provided. The unions now accuse the government of neglecting the higher education sector, putting both the welfare of lecturers and the quality of education at risk.

Impact on Students

The strike has caused concern among students at Pwani University, many of whom are preparing for end-of-semester exams. With no immediate resolution in sight, students are worried that the strike could delay the academic calendar. “We understand the lecturers’ demands, but we also fear that our studies will suffer. We hope both parties can reach an agreement soon,” said a third-year student.

As the strike continues, all eyes are on the government to see if it will respond to the growing unrest in the education sector. Lecturers at Pwani University have vowed to remain on strike until their demands are met, urging the government to prioritize the implementation of the CBA and provide better working conditions for academic staff.

Calls for Dialogue

Despite the ongoing strike, union leaders at Pwani University have expressed their willingness to return to the negotiation table, provided that the government shows a genuine commitment to addressing their grievances. “We are ready for dialogue, but it must be meaningful. We need concrete solutions, not empty promises,” Otieno said.

The strike has placed immense pressure on the Ministry of Education and university management bodies to act swiftly to prevent further disruptions in the higher education sector. As of now, there is no indication of when the strike will end, leaving both lecturers and students in a state of uncertainty.

As the situation develops, the lecturers’ resolve remains firm. They are calling on the government to make good on its promises, or risk a prolonged standoff that could have long-lasting repercussions on the country’s higher education system.