This archive report was first published on 19 May 2020.
As the Covid-19 pandemic continues to disrupt higher learning institutions, Kenyatta University has announced a suspension of salaries for staff on contract. The decision, effective from May 1, is attributed to a decline in revenue due to the outbreak.
According to an internal memo dated May 15, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration) Prof Fatuma Chege explained that staff on three-month contracts are paid using proceeds from the university's income-generating activities. However, with the university's operations paralyzed, the management is facing difficulties in paying salaries to this category of staff.
Prof Chege added that seasonal staff have no running contracts currently but will be considered for renewal when normal university activities resume, subject to recommendations from their supervisors.
Other institutions, including Kisii University and Egerton University, have also announced pay cuts for their staff due to the pandemic. Universities Academic Staff Union (Uasu) vice-chairman Joseph Mberia has warned against deducting staff salaries, stating that the government releases funds for staff salaries in full.
Mr Mberia expressed concern that staff have loan obligations to meet and that it is unfair for universities and colleges to reduce their pay. He also mentioned that Egerton and Kisii universities have not paid their staff April salaries, with two other institutions also affected.
Prof Rose Mwonya, Vice-Chancellor of Egerton University, explained that the institution was unable to generate enough funds, leading to a 30-40% reduction in pay for staff. Kisii University also announced a 40% reduction in pay, citing a deficit of Sh56 million.
