This archive report was first published on 13 May 2020.
Public universities in Kenya are facing a financial crisis, with many institutions struggling to pay their staff due to reduced government funding.
Universities Academic Staff Union (Uasu) National Secretary-General Constantine Wasonga has called on the government to release 100% capitation to public universities to end the current cash crunch.
Wasonga claimed that Moi University had employed more than 1,500 casual workers, a number he said was more than the management staff employed by the government.
He also challenged university administrators to resign for failing to manage the public institutions.
Uasu National Chairperson Muga K'Olale said university councils do not have funds and should not be expected to top up employees' salaries.
He added that the cutting of employees' salaries is the highest level of impunity and Uasu demands that the councils and VCs effecting half April salaries be suspended and investigated for flouting the labour laws.
At Egerton University, Vice-Chancellor Prof Rose Awuor Mwonya said the university receives about Sh173 million capitation from the government while it needs Sh200 million for staff salaries, leaving it with a Sh30 million deficit.
Prof Mwonya said the university has more than 1,900 workers who will be paid based on the Sh173 million capitation.
She also said that due to financial crisis, the university management has decided to first pay all the statutory deductions, utility bills such as water, electricity, internet, and their April salaries.
However, the union representatives are demanding full payment of their members' delayed April salaries.
At Kisii University, Vice-Chancellor Prof John Akama said the university is unable to pay April salaries in full due to a deficit of Sh57 million.
Prof Akama said the available funds will only cover 60% of the university payroll.
He urged the members of staff to be patient saying the situation is beyond their control.
