Operations at the Technical University of Kenya (TUK) have ground to a halt as staff members commence an indefinite strike, citing unpaid salaries, statutory non-compliance, and mismanagement of retirement benefits. The strike, which officially began on January 25, 2025, follows months of mounting frustration over unresolved grievances.
Speaking at a press briefing, UASU TUK Secretary General Fred Sawenja painted a grim picture of the working conditions, emphasizing their loss of faith in the university’s administration. “Today, our members have said enough is enough. We have lost confidence in the employer’s ability to resolve these issues. From now on, we will only engage Parliament, the Treasury, and the Ministry of Education,” he declared.
The union outlined three key issues driving the strike:
1. Unpaid Salaries: Staff members revealed that they have not been paid their December 2024 salaries, with payment delays dating back to September 2023. “It is shameful that on January 25, we are still asking about salaries for December 2024,” lamented a union leader.
2. Statutory Deductions: The university has failed to remit critical deductions, including PAYE, insurance, loans, and retirement contributions. These omissions have left employees unable to access essential services like medical insurance or loans.
3. Retirement Benefits: TUK’s retirement benefits scheme was wound up in July 2024, yet no replacement has been established, violating employees’ rights. “Six months later, the staff are still in limbo. This is unacceptable,” a leader noted.
The union decried these issues as a direct violation of fundamental employee rights. “How do you enjoy your rights when you can’t even receive your salary? We are suffocated staff—we cannot breathe,” they declared.
The union stressed that they will no longer negotiate with the university administration, instead calling on Parliament, the Treasury, and the Ministry of Education to intervene. “We need lasting and acceptable solutions. We will not settle for anything less,” the representative insisted, describing their stance as “irreducible.”
Despite staging peaceful demonstrations on January 14 and issuing a strike notice on January 16, the staff reported receiving no formal response from the authorities. The indefinite strike is now set to continue until all grievances are addressed comprehensively.
UASU TUK Secretary General Fred Sawenja
The strike has effectively paralyzed activities at TUK, leaving students and other stakeholders in limbo. Staff members have vowed to stand firm until their demands are met. “This is not just about money—it’s about dignity and fairness,” one member emphasized.
As the stalemate persists, all eyes are on the government to provide immediate and lasting solutions to restore normalcy at one of Kenya’s leading technical institutions.