Public university lecturers decry salary delays

Lecturers from public universities have decried delays in salaries, which they claim have forced them to rely on loans from Fuliza and Mshwari for survival.

In a joint press conference held at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) in Juja, Kiambu County, on Saturday, the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) said the ongoing salary delays have left members struggling financially, effectively turning them into beggars.

Speaking on behalf of the Union, Secretary General of the JKUAT Chapter Shadrack Muya, noted that delay in salary payments has caused significant hardship affecting their ability to meet financial obligations such as servicing standing orders, mortgage payments, and school fees among others.

"It is with great concern that by May 17, 2024, our members have not received their salaries for April despite fulfilling their duties and serving as per their contractual terms, they are yet to be compensated. This is a clear violation of the Employment Act 2007 and the Constitution of Kenya 2010," Muya said.

The Union said the pay delays have disrupted essential services tied to statutory contributions, including access to medical services.

"As a result, many of us have been forced to resort to loans from Fuliza, Mswari and shylocks to survive. This amounts to demeaning and causing embarrassment to our members. Imagine a whole professor facing the closure of his rental house for non-payment of rent or begging a school principal not to send home his child over fees arrears," UASU the union's JKUAT Chapter Treasurer Timona Soita said.

Collapse

JKUAT Chapter Chairman Muiga Rugara also criticised the government and university management for failing to meet their obligations, potentially leading to the collapse of public higher education institutions.

Other affected universities include Moi University, Kenyatta University, Technical University of Kenya, and Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology.

In a memo by Kenyatta University dated May 13, 2024, and addressed to all members of staff, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration & Finance) Nelson Wawire urged members to be patient with their delayed salaries, noting that they are yet to receive capitation from the Government.

"As you may be aware, the University has not been able to pay April 2024 salaries. We wish to inform staff members that we are yet to receive the April 2024 capitation from the Government. This is to request your patience as salaries will be paid immediately after the University receives the capitation. We apologise for the inconvenience caused and again thank you for your patience," read the memo.

Similarly, a memo from Moi University dated May 14, 2024, addressed to all members of staff, directed them to be patient. Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Planning and Strategy Kirimi Kiriamiti said the delay in salary payments has been prompted by a delay in Treasury releasing the funds.

"As you are aware, the University relies on capitation from the National Treasury for payment of salaries. This is to notify all members of staff that the University is yet to receive funds for payment of April 2024 salaries from the National Treasury. Therefore, there shall be a delay in the payment of staff salaries for the month of April 2024," reads the memo.

"The Moi University Management wishes to thank all members of staff for the patience being exhibited and give the assurance that salaries will be released once capitation is disbursed from Treasury."

The Union announced plans by members to start picketing from Monday to protest the pay delays. They vowed to engage in monthly picketing starting from the 5th day of each subsequent month if salaries for the previous month remain unpaid.