The University Academic Staff Union (UASU)- MMUST Chapter has today, 10th September 2024, marked members’ education day to advocate for the interests of academic staff and promote education-related issues. The event which was graced by the National Secretary General (NSG)- Dr. Constantine Wasonga took place at the UASU offices in Milimani Estate- Kakamega.
The NSG- Dr. Wasonga and MMUST Chapter-UASU officials led the Secretary General- Mr. Robinson Oduma paid a courtesy call to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo. The Vice Chancellor applauded the Union for organizing an event of such magnitude that caters for the interests of academic staff. “Such events foster stronger solidarity within the academic community, enhancing networking, staff welfare and academic performance,” said Prof. Shibairo.
The Vice Chancellor- Prof. Solomon Shibairo and the NSG- Dr. Constantine Wasonga after the signing of the 2017-2021 CBA.
Dr. Wasonga commended the University Management for signing the 2017-2021 internal Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) saying that MMUST Chapter officials and academic staff had remained mature and united during the entire period of negotiations.
“The newly signed CBA guarantees you Kshs. 30,000 per academic year for research while commuter allowance has gone up by Kshs. 500. The good news is that the arrears will be backdated to 1st July 2017 once the SRC gives a node, the CBA will be registered and implemented as soon as possible,” stated Dr. Wasonga.
The MMUST Chapter SG- Mr. Robinson Oduma during a courtesy call at the Vice Chancellor’s Boardroom.
Speaking to the DCCM crew at the event, MMUST Chapter SG- Mr. Robinson Oduma pointed out that the Union has made many gains in the recent past including the signing of the 2017-2021 CBA. Equally, Prof. Kubasu gave an overview of the University’s staff development and promotion criteria which is underpinned by University policies, statutes and CBS’s.
The event drew an impressive turnout with lively discussions which exhibited a clear demonstration of the Union’s growing influence in shaping educational policies and practice. Some of the key presentations at the members’ education day included Professionalism by Dr. Evans Oruta, Stress Management by Ms. Jane Munika, and University Career Progression by Prof. Kubasu Kwashe. The highlight of the education day was the address by the NSG-Dr. Constantine Wasonga on Labor Relations and Unionism.
The UASU officials in a discussion with the Vice Chancellor and the University Management Board.
The UASU officials present were Dr. Philip Amuyunzu (Organizing Secretary), Dr. Angeline, Savala (Treasurer), Dr. Christine Akinyi (Assistant Treasurer), Mr. Ronald Wamalwa (Ag. Chairman). Dr. Joyce Kasili (Committee Member), Mr. Moses Adama (Trustee), Dr. Fred Lisouza (Trustee), Prof. Kubasu Kwashe (Trustee) Dr. Ababu Musera (Delegate) and Mr. Peter Nandikove (Delegate).
Certainly, the UASU Education Members Day is a significant occasion that highlights the key achievements of the Union while at the same time addressing the pertinent issues within the academic community.
By Dr. Lydia Anyonje and Linet Owuor
Photos by Shiundu Masafu
