Serem slashes lecturers’ proposed allowances

The Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) has slashed lecturers’ proposed allowances and rejected calls for extra money to buy academic materials, sparking fury among the dons.

The public universities lecturers have criticised a new deal signed in Nairobi Wednesday, saying the commission led by Sarah Serem removed the proposed exams and invigilation, books and stationery and responsibility allowances without consultation.

University Academic Staff Union (Uasu) secretary-general Muga K’Olale said these issues have to be ironed out, if SRC does not want to see a repeat of strikes by lecturers.

In a circular dated December 10, 2014, the commission chairperson, State and public officers in job Groups K to N who work in Nairobi is expected to get a subsistence allowance of Sh11,200.

However, a collective bargaining agreement signed between Technical University of Kenya and Uasu shows that a professor should also earn a subsistence allowance of Sh10,800.

Uasu national organising secretary Dr Musalia Edebe argues that a professor is a learned person who sacrificed many years of reading and researching and his allowances should not be equal or lower than those of a member of county assembly (MCA).

“Some MCAs who dropped school in form two take home up to Sh500,000 per month, including allowances. Why should Serem Commission find it difficult to give learned professionals deserved allowances?” he said.

Dr Edebe who is Uasu chairman Moi University Chapter said: “ Sarah Serem cannot pretend to play the judge and the jury. The Constitution recognises agreements because unions have a role in negotiations and not the salaries’ commission.’’

Technical University lecturers also want car loans just like other State workers.