This archive report was first published on 8 October 2019.
On October 8, 2019, the government and university lecturers reached a new pay deal, marking a significant step towards resolving the long-standing disputes that have impacted learning programs.
The agreement, which was implemented in four phases starting from July 1, 2017, aims to address the concerns of university lecturers who had been demanding better pay and working conditions.
According to the deal, a professor's basic salary, which ranged from Sh170,681 to Sh248,898, will increase to at least Sh180,434 by July 2017, with the amount rising annually to a maximum of Sh283,087 by July 2020.
The lowest-paid lecturer, a graduate assistant earning between Sh46,978 and Sh66,978, will see their take-home pay rise to a high of Sh82,552 by July 2020.
The pay deal brings relief to thousands of students and guardians who have borne the brunt of incessant industrial strikes by lecturers demanding better pay.
We hope the State will honour its commitment and pay up as agreed to avoid further stand-offs with the university staff.
With the improved terms, the lecturers should rise to the occasion and prove their worth to the thousands of students in the various universities.
