Learning at Egerton University was disrupted on Wednesday after more than 500 lecturers made good their threat to down their tools.
Last week, the University Academic Staff Union(UASU) issued a seven-day ultimatum to the university to pay their dues without cuts that were introduced after the coronavirus pandemic hit the country
Addressing the striking lecturers at the university, UASU Secretary-General Constantine Wesonga said that the country has continued to undermine and frustrate the efforts of dons to earn decent wages that are commensurate with the calibre of their work.
He said that learning will be paralysed, warning lecturers from being duped into returning to class until all the contentious issues are resolved.
“A cross-check at some of the public service cadres reveals no one has taken a pay cut except us. We feel that the nation does not appreciate the uniqueness of the job we do,” he said.
Wesonga faulted the university management for using unauthorised persons to supervise examinations, an issue they have vowed to challenge in court.
“I wish the students would know that they are putting themselves at risk because of the kind of administration of examinations being conducted by unknown people,” he said.
The lectures have been pushing, among other things, the streamlining of the management over alleged running down of the university because of alleged run-ins with the taxman.
With the vice-chancellor, Rose Mwonya, exiting service in a few months, the lecturers have made a raft of recommendations to ensure there is not only a smooth transition but also a competent manager installed.
