The University Academic Staff Union (UASU) has issued a directive to Kenyan universities to cease the hiring of lecturers on part-time contracts. The union argues that the practice denies academics permanent and pensionable employment opportunities.

UASU Secretary General Constantine Wasonga, speaking from the union's Nairobi headquarters, emphasized the need for universities to prioritize full-time lecturer recruitment instead of relying on part-time teaching to fill staffing gaps.

"I am now commanding you from Uniafric House, stop taking part-time lecturers because by doing so, you are denying fellow academics the chance for permanent employment," Wasonga stated.

Concerns Over Retirement Age and Staffing Shortages

The union's directive comes amid opposition to the Public Service Commission's decision to lower the retirement age for lecturers. The new policy sets retirement ages between 60 and 75 years, depending on position and disability status, with professors now retiring at 70 instead of 74.

UASU's University of Nairobi chapter highlighted that the university's teaching staff has declined from approximately 2,000 lecturers in 2020 to about 1,200 currently. The revised retirement age is expected to reduce staff numbers by a further 40%, exacerbating shortages.

Call for Standardized Payment and Negotiations

Wasonga noted that many universities have depended heavily on part-time lecturers without clear or uniform payment terms, leading to exploitation. Payment rates reportedly vary widely, from KSh 500 to KSh 2,500 per lesson.

"If part-time lecturers are to be engaged, their rates and terms must be negotiated with UASU," he said, adding that some lecturers even teach before receiving appointment letters, complicating claims for payment.

He challenged universities to focus on recruiting full-time academics, questioning whether the government has allocated funds specifically for lecturer recruitment.

Summary of UASU Demands

  • Immediate stop to hiring part-time lecturers without union negotiation.
  • Prioritization of full-time lecturer recruitment to address staffing deficits.
  • Standardization of payment rates and terms for any part-time teaching engagements.
  • Reconsideration of retirement age policies to avoid worsening staff shortages.

UASU’s stance highlights ongoing challenges in Kenya’s higher education sector, including staffing shortages, funding gaps, and the need for fair employment practices.