The government has stopped the hiring of university staff on permanent and pensionable terms with immediate effect.
Education CS Fred Matiang’i made the announcement on Wednesday, saying new staff members will get contracts from January.
“[We have stopped the] hiring, especially of support staff, on PP. We will recruit on contractual basis,” he said while opening a forum for for public university chiefs in Nairobi
“The proposal to introduce contract-based employment in varsities will start in the next financial year…Time has come when we must reflect on how to run universities.”
The minister noted those already in employment will not be affected by the new system
Matiang’i’s remarks came days after the Universities Academic Staff Union scolded the government for laxity in paying lecturers’ allowances and pensions as their strike entered week three.
Lecturers are pushing for higher perks as stated in their 2013-17 collective bargaining agreement drafted by universities, unions and the government.