University of Nairobi vice-chancellor Peter Mbithi. FILE PHOTO | NMG
University of Nairobi is groaning under huge debts, among them
Sh1.6 billion in unremitted pension and statutory deductions for its
workers, Vice-Chancellor Peter Mbithi has said.
The
vice-chancellor said the university was unable to settle pension debt
occasioned by 2013-17 collective bargaining agreement (CBA) and
statutory obligations as at June 30, 2018.
Prof Mbithi
said the obligations relate to pension liability from salary increments
occasioned by the CBA 2010-13 and 2013-17 awards, adding that the the
Treasury had not released the funds to settle these issues.
Speaking during the first state of university address, Prof
Mbithi also said sudden and unplanned budget cuts due to the new formula
of costing degree programmes and differentiated units costs had left
the institution with Sh1.7 billion hole.
“This has immensely affected delivery of services,” he said.
Wage bill
Prof Mbithi the huge wage bill due to clamour for higher pay by trade unions had worsened the situation.
“Ultimately,
this exerts a major strain in our dwindling cash flows. The university
continued to experience disruptions due to frequent industrial actions,
leading to the disruption of the various academic programmes,” he said.
The VC asked those tasked with responsibilities at the
institution to provide focused leadership in implementing the
university’s strategy.
“We should stop mourning forever. We should heal and move on,” said Prof Mbithi.
He said the university plans to establish the Museum of East African Art.
“The
goal is to build a world class museum of great artistic and educational
value. The mission of the museum will be to collect, preserve and
display the wealth and genius of East African art for the citizens of
East Africa,” said Prof Mbithi.
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