Operations in public universities remained paralysed for the second day running as the lecturers’ strike began to take its toll.
At the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT)were grounded when more than 2,000 workers downed their tools yesterday.
The industrial action called to demand the release of Sh 10 billion negotiated pay package puts the fate of newly admitted fresh students in jeopardy.
Addressing the striking workers Kenya Universities Staff Union JKUAT chapter secretary Nickson Chege criticized Education Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’a, accusing him of misleading the public that the money has been released.
Chege accompanied by KUSU national treasurer James Makori and Chapter treasurer Wilfred Kinundu said they will not relent until the government pays the Sh 10 billion salary increment agreed in the 2013/2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement signed by both parties in the beginning of this year.
“The government is yet to honour its part of the deal which was to be implemented by June 30 this year which has already lapsed without anyone receiving a single cent,,” he said.
“Contrary to claims from the government that part of the money has been wired to our accounts, nobody has received anything as of now,” he added.
Makori on his part accused the government of violating the agreement by not honoring their part of the bargain which he said amounts to wasting students’ time.
“The ministry has decided to dishonor our agreement. Until they make that commitment in writing, what we see in the press are just allegations,” said Makori.
