Students left on their own as varsity staff down tools

Academy Staff Union, Kisii University branch officials, on Tuesday castigated the government for its alleged failure to implement the 2021/25 Comprehensive Pay Agreement.

The officials, in solidarity with other staff across the country, vowed they are in for the long haul, adding they would only go back to work when they receive a favourable response from the government. 

Among the issues they are rooting for in the contested CBA is salary increment.

Staffers between grade 10 and 12 were also to receive basic salary increment while those between grade 13 and full lecturer professors would have 7pc salary hike.

Other elements include that staff between grade 10 to 12 would retire at 70 years

Staff between grade 13 to 15 were pegged to retire at 74 years.

UASU regional chair George Andima said the salary increment was to be implemented by end of October which has not been done so far. 

"It is now three(3) to four(4) days to the end of October and we have not received any information that the money we bargained for is coming," said Mr Andima.

The lecturers, he said, want to know the state of the implementation of the CBA and not rhetoric.

The total cost of implementing the CBA could cost the taxpayers about Sh9.6 billion.

Mr Andima said the government has since approached them with a slightly lower amount of Sh4.3 billion, a drastic revision down from the early agreed amount.

“One thing we are saying is that we are not going to class. We have been taken in circles for far too long. This time round, we must have our issues sorted and sorted immediately. We cannot believe in a government that is taking people in circles,” he stated.

He said “the government is quick looking at non issues at the expense of our plight”.

"Look how faster they impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua! But when we are talking about serious issues affecting the children of this country, you can see how they are taking us in circles. They either give us money or the end of the world," said Mr Andima.

The lectures said they are ready to press on indefinitely if no favourable response comes by.

“Yes, what I confirm today is that we have begun the strike but when it shall end I don't know. However, if they tell us they have the money this afternoon, we shall head back to class,” he told journalists. 

This comes at a time when students are supposed to start their examination.