Murang’a:Operations at Murang’a University of Technology were disrupted as workers initiated a strike, demanding the finalization and implementation of the 2025-2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
According to Kenya News Agency, the strike involved members from the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU), Kenya Universities Staff Union (KUSU), and Kenya Union of Domestic, Hotels, Educational Institutions, Hospitals and Allied Workers (KUDHEIHA). The workers demonstrated on campus, urging the government to address the unresolved issues promptly.
The strike is part of a nationwide protest by public university workers after failed negotiations between unions and the Inter-Public Universities Councils Consultative Forum (IPUCCF). The unions had issued a strike notice for October 2, highlighting delays in the CBA process and inadequate government funding for implementation.
UASU Murang’a Chapter Secretary, Dr. Stephen Njenga, stated that workers would not resume duties until their grievances were resolved. He accused the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) of delaying the CBA process and opposed proposals that would shift salary funding to student fees, which he argued would disadvantage universities with lower enrollment.
Concerns about the financial sustainability of public universities were raised, with unions blaming inadequate government funding for operational difficulties. Additionally, Njenga criticized the Public Service Commission (PSC) for not involving university workers in developing new human resource instruments and highlighted disputes over retirement age policies.
Dr. Tirus Maina echoed these sentiments, criticizing the government for not honoring commitments made in previous negotiations. He argued that public universities should receive adequate government support to continue providing education and training.
KUSU Treasurer Kirigo Wangari expressed concern over job security if salary funding shifted to student fees, especially for universities with financial struggles. She called for government intervention to resolve the dispute and resume university operations.
The strike follows unsuccessful negotiations and the rejection of a counter-offer from the IPUCCF, which unions claimed did not meet their demands on salary increments, medical benefits, and staffing. The ongoing strike has affected teaching and administrative services at the university, which employs over 500 workers.
