Two more public universities closed
University closed following strike: Musalia Edebe from (left), University Academic Staff Union Chairman, for Moi University Chapter, Geoffrey Swara, Treasurer, Joel Laikong, University Academic Staff Union chairman for University of Eldoret, Jim Kairu, Secretary General, lecturers, members of Kenya Universities Staff Union and members of Kenya Union of Domestic, Hotels, Educational Institutions and Allied Workers Association (Kudheia), subordinate staff at the institution during their strike demanding pay increments on March 19, 2014. PHOTO | JARED NYATAYA (Eldoret).
What you need to know:
- At the University of Eldoret, a senate committee that met early Wednesday morning confirmed that the strike had paralysed learning.
- All Moi University campuses were also closed.
- Egerton University remained deserted as the few remaining students left Wednesday morning.
Two more public universities closed Wednesday as the strike by staff entered its second week.
Moi and the University of Eldoret, ordered their students to go home indefinitely.
The lecturers and non-teaching staff went on with their strike to demand Sh3.9 billion for the more than 20,000 staff, but which was allegedly diverted to other purposes.
At the University of Eldoret, a senate committee that met early Wednesday morning confirmed that the strike had paralysed learning.
A memo signed by acting vice-chancellor Ezekiel Kiprop said the university was closed until further notice.
Morgan Kinara, a third year student at the university, said the administration “should assemble us and advise us to leave school.”
“Let the government bring these two parties to an agreement for the sake of our classes,” Ms Jackline Okumu said.
All Moi University campuses were also closed.
It was quiet at the Technical University of Mombasa Wednesday following a decision to send students home.
The learners took away their belongings at day break.
Union officials held a mock funeral service for those they termed ‘alleged looters of their salaries and allowances’.
“Vice-chancellors are offering us 27.2 per cent for salaries and 10 per cent house allowance. Where is the rest of the other money?
“If they can’t offer it in full, then let them return the whole Sh3.9 billion because it was sent to them,” Kusu secretary-general Patrick Ogutu said.
Uasu leader Njeru Gatumu, while acknowledging that their battle with the vice-chancellors had softened, added that they will not accept anything less than what they agreed on in their collective bargaining agreement.
“All we want is implementation of 33.1 per cent for our salary and 14.5 per cent for our house allowance,” Mr Gatumu said.
Students at Laikipia University left for home.
Workers and lecturers living within the university held a mid-morning meeting at the graduation court and then went home.
Egerton University remained deserted as the few remaining students left Wednesday morning.
Students at Laikipia University were Wednesday leaving for home as the lecturers and other workers’ strike entered its third day.
the strike was however called off Wednesday night after a return to work deal was reached at between the lecturers and the authorities.
By Copperfield Lagat, James Kariuki, Rebecca Okwany
