Kenya: Labor unrest in education sector spreads to Universities

The education sector in Kenya is in crisis – operations in public universities were paralysed after employees went on strike to demand higher pay.

The staff, who include over 4,000 professors and lecturers from the 31 public universities, halted work on Thursday, the fourth day of another strike by teachers which has paralysed learning in public elementary and high schools.

Hopes of a return-to-work formula for teachers faded on Thursday after officials of the Kenya National Union of teachers (Knut) pulled out of pay talks with the government. The negotiations started late on Wednesday. However, there were attempts by Education minister Mutula Kilonzo to bring the teachers back to the negotiating table, although it was unclear whether the union officials would play ball.

The Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) officials revealed that university professors and lecturers resorted to a work stoppage after the government failed to revive pay talks.

The union wants a new salary structure that will double the basic pay of the professors and lecturers and improve their allowances.

The unions want the Government to resume the stalled 2010-2012 Collective Bargaining Agreement negotiations.