By YOANA KIMWELE.
On 18th September 2024 – In solidarity with the ongoing national strike by university unions, officials from the South Eastern Kenya University (SEKU) branch of the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) and the Kenya Universities Staff Union (KUSU) presented a petition to SEKU Vice-Chancellor, Mr. Shitanda.
The demonstration, led by UASU SEKU Chairperson Mboya Kivai and KUSU SEKU Chairperson David Mutuvi, highlighted several pressing local issues, calling for urgent resolution.
The union representatives expressed that while they support the nationwide grievances raised by their national offices, SEKU staff face additional challenges that need to be addressed before any strike action can be called off. Their petition detailed six major concerns:
1.Discriminatory Medical Cover by CIC Insurance: The unions claim that the current health insurance scheme unfairly discriminates against staff, leaving many without adequate coverage.
2. Annual Salary Increments: They are demanding the immediate implementation of agreed-upon salary increments, which they argue have been consistently delayed.
3. Arrears from the 2017-2021 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA): The unions are calling for the full payment of outstanding arrears owed to staff under the terms of the 2017-2021 CBA.
4. Non-Remittance of Pension: According to the petition, pension contributions have not been remitted, putting the future financial security of staff in jeopardy.
5. Non-Remittance of Loan Deductions: The union leaders raised concerns over delayed remittance of loan deductions, affecting employees’ credit standings and creating financial hardship.
6. Discriminatory Payment of Hardship Allowance: The unions accused the administration of unevenly distributing hardship allowances, leading to dissatisfaction and resentment among staff.
The union leaders emphasized that these issues are not only causing financial strain but are also contributing to an exodus of staff from SEKU. “If these concerns are not addressed, the future of this institution looks bleak,” said Mboya Kivai.
The nationwide strike, organized by both UASU and KUSU, is part of a larger movement to demand better working conditions across public universities in Kenya. SEKU staff, however, argue that the specific challenges within their institution need immediate attention.
As the strike enters its second week, the situation at SEKU mirrors the discontent being felt across universities in Kenya, with staff growing increasingly frustrated at the lack of action on these longstanding issues.
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