Kenyan university lecturers strike low pay

The Kenyan university lecturers' strike, also known as the "University Lecturers' Strike" or "UASU Strike", is a labor dispute that has been ongoing in Kenya since 2015. The strike was called by the University Academic Staff Union (UASU), which represents over 10,000 university lecturers in Kenya.

The main demand of the lecturers is for better pay and working conditions. They are seeking a salary increase of 12.5% to 15% to bring their salaries in line with those of their counterparts in other countries. They are also demanding improved working conditions, including better infrastructure, more staff, and a reduction in the workload.

The strike has had a significant impact on the Kenyan education system, with many universities forced to close or operate on a reduced schedule. The strike has also had a broader impact on the Kenyan economy, with many students and parents affected by the disruption to education.

The government has offered to increase the lecturers' salaries by 10%, but the lecturers have rejected this offer, saying it is not enough to meet their demands. The strike has been ongoing for several years, with no end in sight.

Some of the key issues that have contributed to the strike include:

  1. Low pay: University lecturers in Kenya are among the lowest paid in the region. They earn an average salary of around KES 150,000 (approximately USD 1,500) per month, which is not enough to support themselves and their families.
  2. Poor working conditions: University lecturers in Kenya often work in poor conditions, with inadequate infrastructure, limited resources, and high workloads.
  3. Lack of job security: University lecturers in Kenya often face uncertainty about their job security, with many being hired on short-term contracts or being forced to work on a part-time basis.
  4. Limited career progression: University lecturers in Kenya often face limited opportunities for career progression, with many being stuck in the same position for years without opportunities for promotion or professional development.

The strike has been supported by many students, parents, and civil society organizations, who have called for the government to address the lecturers' demands. The strike has also been criticized by some, who argue that it is unfair to disrupt the education system and that the lecturers should be more flexible in their demands.

Some of the key developments in the strike include:

  1. The strike began in 2015, with lecturers from several universities in Kenya walking out in protest over low pay and poor working conditions.
  2. In 2016, the government offered to increase the lecturers' salaries by 10%, but the lecturers rejected this offer, saying it was not enough to meet their demands.
  3. In 2017, the strike spread to more universities, with lecturers from over 20 universities in Kenya participating.
  4. In 2018, the government offered to increase the lecturers' salaries by 12.5%, but the lecturers rejected this offer, saying it was still not enough to meet their demands.
  5. In 2020, the strike continued, with lecturers from many universities in Kenya still participating.

Overall, the Kenyan university lecturers' strike is a complex issue that has been ongoing for several years. It highlights the challenges faced by university lecturers in Kenya, including low pay, poor working conditions, and limited career progression.