Maasai Mara University Staff Threaten to Strike Over Unresolved CBA, High Taxation
Maasai Mara University is facing the possibility of a halt in learning activities starting next week if the institution does not comply with a court order to implement the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with the Staff Union.
Officials of the University Staff Union (KUSU) Narok branch held a press conference at the university in Narok, where they expressed their intention to lead the 600 workers in street protests due to various concerns.
The union representatives cited high taxation imposed by the National government, the delayed appointment of the university council by the Ministry of Education, and the absence of effective leadership within the university as some of their grievances.
They claimed that the university had suspended the implementation of the CBA since 2017, prompting the union to seek legal recourse.
The court ruled in favor of the union, but the statement alleged that certain individuals within the university were deliberately prolonging the case for personal gain.
According to the union representatives, these individuals benefited financially from kickbacks, travel allowances, and other perks associated with the appeals process.
They called for a forensic audit to investigate the illegal transfer of funds to individual accounts, lawyer accounts, and contractors.
The union also expressed concerns about the university’s leadership, referring to past incidents of incompetence and alleged corruption, such as the ‘Mara heist.’
Furthermore, the workers raised the issue of the university operating without a University council for an extended period, which has caused operational delays due to the lack of necessary approvals and policy guidance.
They criticized the government’s introduction of the housing levy, viewing it as an additional burden on already meager salaries.
“Like for us in this university, we have never received any promotion or reviews for the last 13 years and this tax would be disastrous and would cause more harm to the staff members,” Omuse said.
The union expressed concerns over high taxation, delays in appointing the university council, inadequate leadership, and alleged financial improprieties within the institution.
They also criticized the government’s housing levy and the lack of career advancement opportunities for university staff.
Maasai Mara University Staff Threaten to Strike Over Unresolved CBA, High Taxation
