Learning activities at the Technical University of Kenya (TUK) were disrupted on Thursday afternoon as lecturers and other staff members staged demonstrations over delayed salaries.
The protest, held near the university’s administration block, was aimed at pressuring the government to release their December salaries, which they claimed had been unfairly withheld.
The disgruntled staff had issued a seven-day strike notice to Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba and Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi on January 16.
The notice highlighted their grievances, but no action was taken before the deadline elapsed, prompting them to go on strike.
During the demonstrations, the workers chanted solidarity songs and marched through the university compound carrying placards, according to videos obtained by Kenyans.co.ke.
Speaking to the media, one of the workers expressed frustration over the lack of response to their demands.
“In our petition, we highlighted the challenges faced by staff, which directly affect their welfare and productivity. We have not received any response,” they lamented.
The staff accused the government of neglecting its duty to ensure timely payment of salaries, which they argued was a clear violation of the Employment Act of 2007.
The protesters further stated that the delayed salaries had severely affected their ability to meet basic financial obligations such as rent, school fees, and medical expenses.
They described the situation as untenable, arguing that their livelihoods were at stake due to government inaction.
“We made it clear in the strike notice that today, members of the staff would down their tools if our concerns were not addressed. Yet here we are, still waiting for our December salaries,” another staff member added.
This disruption comes at a time when the education sector is grappling with various challenges, including funding shortages and operational inefficiencies.
The Technical University of Kenya is one of many public institutions struggling with financial instability, leaving workers and students to bear the brunt of the mismanagement.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba and Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi are now under pressure to resolve the issue promptly.
Critics argue that such delays reflect poorly on the government’s commitment to education and labor rights.
The situation has also drawn public attention to the broader issue of financial accountability within public institutions.
The strike highlights a growing wave of dissatisfaction among public sector workers in Kenya, who continue to face delays in salary payments and unaddressed grievances.
As the protests continue, students at TUK remain uncertain about when learning activities will resume, further deepening the crisis.
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