Universities in Crisis as Treasury Delays Funding
A crisis has hit 38 public universities as they struggle to pay their staff due to delays in releasing funds from the National Treasury.
Lecturers have boycotted classes to demand their salaries, while some universities have had to negotiate with banks to settle their arrears.
The Universities Academic Staff Union (Uasu) has warned that it will call a crisis meeting to give direction to its members and may paralyse learning if the situation continues.
Uasu’s National Deputy Secretary-General Jacob Musembi accused the government of failing to release salaries on time, and expressed concern about the negative impact the delay would have on the quality of education.
He also criticised the government for failing to communicate the reasons for the delay or respond to Uasu’s letters.
At Moi University, Chapter Chair Richard Okero said that most staff members are unable to meet their needs, with about 90% of staff living in Eldoret town, 35 kilometres away from the university.
Families are being affected, and Uasu chapter secretary Philip Chebunet called on the Education Ministry to ensure the timely release of funds to alleviate the pain being experienced by university workers.
He also suggested that universities should have alternative sources of funds and that private universities should only be allocated students after public universities are full.
Lecturers at Pwani University received their February salaries, but it is unclear where the university got the money from.
Meanwhile, part-time lecturers at Tom Mboya University have complained about the lack of payment, while full-time lecturers have not received their allowance for supervision and examination since last year.
Lecturers at Dedan Kimathi University of Technology have received their February salaries, although National Social Security Fund deductions were made for the first time.
The situation is likely to affect the quality of education and lead to a crisis if not resolved soon.
Universities in Crisis as Treasury Delays Funding