By Iptisam Abdallah, Kakamega
Lecturers of public universities have resorted to boycott classes as a move to press for their unpaid February salaries.
The National treasury has delayed to release funds to 38 public universities rendering them unable to pay their staff resulting to learning crisis.
The National Deputy Secretary General of Universities Academic Staff Union (Uasu), Jacob Musembi has said that the union will call a crisis meeting to give directions to its members.
Musembi warned that the union will soon paralyse learning should the government continue delaying the release of funds.
“The reason of the delay has not been communicated by the government or state department, ” he said.
“Despite writing to the ministry of Education on Tuesday, there has been no reply by Wednesday Evening,” he added.
Union officials from Moi University have said that the salary delays will negatively impact learning as lecturers cannot teach on empty stomachs.
The Chapter Chair Richard Okero complained that  lecturers are unable to meet their needs causing suffering to their families.
”About 90 Percent of the staff stay in Eldoret town which is about 35 Km away from Moi University. This makes it hard for them to report to work because they cannot afford travelling expenses.” he said
A memo issued to Moi University staff on March 10 through Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor Ambrose Kiprop left lecturers in shock .
” As you are aware, the University relies mainly on capitation from the National Treasury for payment of salaries. This is to notify the members that the university is yet to receive funds for the payment of February salaries. We wish to thank all members of the staff for the patience and give reassurance that salaries will be paid once capitation is disbursed from the treasury,” read the memo.
Lecturers from Tom Mboya University in Homabay have also complained about the delayed salaries.
Our main concern is about payment of supervision and examination allowances. This delays have been there since last year. Efforts to reach the acting Vice Chancellor Charles Ocholla were fruitless since he did not answer calls.” said a lecturer.
Lecturers from Pwani University were also not left behind in faulting the government over delay in submission of capitation.
“The issue of salaries is a major concern to us. You can imagine a proffessor has to wait until the 15th of every month to receive salary. Most of us have debts and are wondering why the government is failing to release the capitation on time,” said a lecturer.
Ends
