SEKU Academic Staff, UASU Join National Strike Over Unmet CBA Agreement

By YOANA KIMWELE.

The Academic staff at South Eastern Kenya University (SEKU) have joined a nationwide strike over the government’s failure to implement the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which was intended to enhance salary scales and benefits for university staff. SEKU dons, led by union representative Dr. Wahome, launched their chapter of the strike today outside the university’s Kitui offices.

Dr. Wahome criticized the government’s lack of action regarding the return-to-work agreement signed with the union on September 26. He emphasized that the agreement was a legally binding document intended to be enforceable as a court order. “We went back to class in good faith, expecting the government to deliver justice,” Wahome stated. “Instead, we have been met with disregard.”

One major point of contention is the delayed “seven to ten percent” salary award, which was promised to all public servants. While other government workers received their portion last year, SEKU academic staff have yet to see their payments. Wahome condemned the delay as “discrimination” against university staff and labeled the government’s inaction as “unfair and unacceptable.”

In addition to the delayed payments, Wahome expressed frustration over recurring delays in past CBAs. “The 2017-2021 CBA remains incomplete, and salary adjustments have been left unfulfilled,” he said. The union has pledged that their members will not return to classes until their accounts reflect the promised payments. “We’re ready to teach, but we will only resume once we see money credited in our accounts.”

While emphasizing their dedication to students, Wahome reiterated that the union would stand firm in its demand for fair treatment and timely payment. “We love our students, and that’s why we’ve been patient. But we must fight for our rights,” he concluded.

The SEKU staff strike forms part of a larger movement among university workers nationwide, urging the government to fulfill its contractual obligations. The strike will continue until payments are made.

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