Bomet University College UASU Chapter Chairperson Dr. Sangura Ramar has strongly criticized the government for failing to implement the recent negotiations stemming from the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which had temporarily ended a lecturers’ strike
Dr. Ramar called on UASU members to down tools, warning that the strike could severely disrupt learning and exams across universities.
The strike commenced today after the expiration of a seven-day notice issued to the government by the UASU national executive council.
Addressing the media, Dr. Ramar expressed frustration over the government’s lack of action, stating, “The government has invited lecturers to the streets, and we have heeded their call. We are launching a mega strike that they have never experienced before.”
He noted that while a 7-10% salary increment was to be implemented in October, no changes have occurred, with many lecturers’ pay slips showing a mysterious deduction of Sh7,000 towards the Social Health Authority (SHA).
Dr. Ramar accused the government of demoralizing educators, stating that they are now more aggrieved than during the previous strike.
He pledged that the strike would continue until lecturers see the promised salary increases reflected in their accounts.
Dr. Obala Musumba, Bomet University UASU Chapter Secretary general echoed these sentiments, accusing the government of deception.
“We will not return to work until we see the money in our accounts,” he stated, emphasizing their loss of trust in government promises.
He recalled that the lecturers had initially sought the full implementation of the CBA but ultimately agreed to a compromise that included a 7-10% salary increase and an annual 4% increment.
The CBA was established between UASU and the Inter-Public Universities Councils of Consultative Forum (IPUCCF), ensuring that lower-graded lecturers receive a 10% pay increase while those in higher grades receive 7%, alongside an automatic annual increase of 4% on their basic salary.
The deal was brokered by Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua.
This was to be backdated for the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 academic years and should have taken effect in October.
Musumba criticized the government for its “cunning” tactics, warning that the legal framework for the CBA is at risk of expiring due to the government’s neglect.
He lamented the ongoing delays in implementing CBAs from previous years 2013-2017 and 2017-2012 in other universities, which continue to impact educators negatively across the country.
Lamech Willy A.
