About 2,000 workers at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) have resolved to down tools over unresolved pay increments.

Led by leaders of the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) and Kenya Universities Staff Union (KUSU), the workers told the university management to close the institution as there would be no teaching until their demands are met.

The employees are demanding the implementation of the 2021/2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) which is now close to four years in arrears, promotions and remittance of statutory deductions among others.

The UASU JKUAT Chapter Secretary Shadrack Muia, Chairman Muiga Rugara and KUSU Secretary Nickson Chege told their members to stay away for as long as the government and university management take to address the issues raised.

JKUAT workers issue notice

The officials demanded answers from the government as to why university workers’ salaries are not paid at the end of the month unlike other public servants and have to wait for two to three weeks to get their dues.

“Employees in other public institutions get their salaries promptly, even as early as the 28th of each month while we have to wait until the 13th to 15th of the following month,” Muia said.

He also said the government is yet to release Ksh51 billion in pension remittances to retired workers.

Chege said it has been close to 10 years since university workers’ salaries were reviewed even as employees in other sectors got a pay raise last year to cushion them against the rising cost of living.

Rugara on the other hand noted that it appeared there was a systematic plot to ruin institutions of higher learning by the government’s failure to address their issues.

“We advise the University management to close all offices and students to go back home until the matter is resolved as there will be no teaching,” Rugara said.