Kenyan varsities cancel graduations as pay strike rages
Two public universities have put off their graduation ceremonies due to the strike by lecturers and non-teaching staff.
Egerton University and Mombasa Polytechnic University postponed their graduation ceremonies indefinitely as the nationwide strike entered its eighth day.
The ceremonies were to be held on November 25 and November 17, respectively.
“Due to the strike by the staff of the university, the graduation ceremony, scheduled for November 25 has been postponed until further notice,” Egerton University said in a statement.
The university, which is closed due the strike, indicated that a new graduation date would be announced as soon as operations normalise. (READ: Kenyan varsities shut as union says it won't budge)
Mombasa Polytechnic, a constituent college of Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology has remained open despite many students leaving its premises.
Moi University Academic Staff Union secretary Osumba Ogeta predicted that all universities scheduled to hold graduation ceremonies by December may be forced to cancel them until the strike is called off.
But Masinde Muliro University announced its graduation slated for this Friday will go on.
Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration and Finance) Prof Sibilikhe Makhanu the decision was made after 350 non-teaching staff resumed duty.
He said President Kibaki will preside over the ceremony.
Prof Makhanu disclosed that the university management had invited lecturers and officials of the Universities Non-Teaching staff Union for a meeting but it did not materialise.
“The union officials did not show up complaining of the manner the invitation was made but the management is prepared for dialogue to resolve the stalemate,” said Prof Makhanu.
At Moi University, Dr Ogeta criticised Higher Education minister Margaret Kamar over her claims that the government did not have money to raise lecturers’ salaries.
He said Prof Kamar was releasing conflicting statements over the strike. “The minister has said negotiations can only take place once the Salary and Remuneration Committee is constituted.
“Now she is directing universities to commence negotiations, said Dr Ogeta.
