A Protester Runs Past Teargas Smoke Along Harambee Avenue in Nairobi
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On Tuesday afternoon, disorder broke out in Nairobi's city centre as police used tear gas to disperse striking university lecturers.
Members of the Universities Academic Staff Union and the Kenya Universities Staff Union faced arrest while attempting to deliver a petition to Parliament and relevant Cabinet Secretaries. This confrontation stemmed from an ongoing strike that commenced on September 18, disrupting academic activities across Kenya's public universities. At the heart of the dispute lies the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement, which the lecturers assert has been disregarded by the government.
The agreement encompasses crucial issues such as salary increments and improved working conditions, which the academic staff deem essential for their welfare and the overall quality of education in Kenya. The unions' decision to strike reflects growing frustration with the government's perceived failure to honour its commitments. The use of force against the protesting lecturers has been interpreted as an attempt to suppress their demands through intimidation. Despite these measures, the unions remain resolute in their stance, vowing to continue their industrial action until their grievances are adequately addressed.
The ongoing strike has left students in a state of limbo, deprived of academic guidance and unable to progress with their studies. This situation has sparked concerns about the long-term impact on educational quality and student futures. Moreover, the strike has brought to the forefront broader issues plaguing the education system, including chronic underfunding and inadequate infrastructure. This current strike is not an isolated incident but rather part of a recurring pattern in Kenya's higher education landscape.
Universities Academic Staff Union (Uasu) and Kenya Universities Staff Union (Kusu) are dissatisfied with stagnant wages amidst rising living costs and reject Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba's proposal for a 3.5 percent salary increment. Union leaders last week expressed readiness for a prolonged strike, demanding tangible solutions rather than promises. The union officials are seeking a seven to ten percent increase in basic salaries, similar to what other government workers received last year. The work stoppage affects 35 public universities and three constituent colleges across Kenya.
Aliyekuwa mhadhiri katika Chuo Kikuu cha Nairobi kwenye Idara ya Fasihi kabla ya kuhamia ughaibuni Ndugu yetu Ngugi Wanjiku Thiong'o anatilia mkazo ukuzaji wa lugha zetu za asili na pia uandikaji kwenye lugha hizi.
Amemsifia sana Dada yetu Wambui wa Gakere kama Mgikuyu wa kwanza kuandika kamusi katika lugha hiyo.
Isitoshe, anatilia mkazo kujivunia majina yetu ya asili na kutupilia mbali majina yaliyo na msingi wa ukoloni. Kumbe jina lake la kikolobi alilokuwa nalo kabla ya kulitupa mbali lilikuwa "James Paul Ngugi."
Baba yake alikuwa na wake wanne. Kwa hivyo, aliitwa Ngugi Wanjiku> Jina Wanjiku lilikuwa jina la mamake mzazi.
Jambo Ndugu yetu Ngugi Wanjiku Thiong'o analosema si la kawaida. Kwa nini? Katika nchi ya India si jambo la ajabu kila mwananchi kusema lugha tatu:
1. Lugha ya kwanza ni lugha ya asili yake
2. Lugha ya pili ni lugha ya taifa ya India yaani - Kihindi
3. Lugha ya tatu ni lugha ya Kiingereza.
Mwishowe, alimpa changamoto mtu ambaye alikuwa akimhoji Ndugu "Damaris" aanze kujiita jina lake la asili linalojulikana kama "Mureithi."
Kama unajua lugha ya Gikuyu, nakuomba uyasikilize mahojiano yake kwenye lugha hiyo.
https://youtu.be/s-hmusIwWcY?si=M6nGmWV1L7J5Xpq1