February 9, 2025
'Resume Work Or Face Music!' - UoN VC Warns As Staff Strike Clamps Operations

‘Resume Work Or Face Music!’ – UoN VC Warns As Staff Strike Clamps Operations

On Tuesday, November 12, the University of Nairobi (UoN) ordered its academic staff to return to work amid the ongoing statewide lecturers’ strike, which reached its third week today.

The University administration, through acting Vice Chancellor Margaret Hutchinson, issued an order urging all striking teachers to return to their teaching duties immediately or face appropriate repercussions.

She urged the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU), the staff union that organized the statewide walkout, to dialogue and remain dedicated to the continuing negotiations.

“I therefore urge all the academic members of staff of the University of Nairobi to resume work with immediate effect,” she ordered.

The VC further asked deans and department chairs to conduct daily roll calls and report the results to university management for review.

“Any faculty member found not fulfilling their employment obligations will face appropriate action as stipulated in their employment contracts and under the law,” Hutchinson warned.

She emphasized that individuals wishing to carry out their duties will be given free rein. This decision is made in reaction to lengthy disruptions in academic activities.

This is due to the professors’ requests for improved working conditions, remuneration, and a seven to ten percent basic salary augmentation, as well as a four percent annual rise in their basic wage.

UASU claims they need Ksh9.7 billion to implement the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiated with the government, but the Ministry of Education has only provided a valuation of Ksh4.3 billion.

The acting VC observed that the industrial action had a negative impact on instructional activities in public universities, as well as other operations like research and community service.

“While the university management fully acknowledges the importance of the concerns raised by the academic staff, we remain committed to addressing these issues through collaborative efforts with all stakeholders involved,” she added.

It comes as the UASU says that their strike will continue until the government meets their demands.

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On Tuesday, October 29, public university lecturers went on strike due to delayed payment of salary arrears and failure to implement the 2021-2025 CBA signed with the government in 2021.

This comes after Tuesday’s scheduled meeting between the National Assembly Committee on Education, Vice Chancellors, and UASU officials failed to produce results.

The parties failed not achieve a deal due to the government’s delay in the distribution of monies as pay.

The Committee resolved the Ministries of Education, Labour, and National Treasury will propose a way forward on the government’s position on the disbursement of the money.

‘Resume Work Or Face Music!’ – UoN VC Warns As Staff Strike Clamps Operations

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