Speaking during a media briefing on Monday, August 3, union officials criticized the Public Service Commission (PSC) for introducing the policy without engaging academic staff, university councils, or other key stakeholders.
UASU maintained that decisions affecting institutions of higher learning should be reached through broad consultation rather than unilateral directives.
According to the union, previous agreements on the retirement age for professors were reached through structured negotiations involving universities and relevant stakeholders.
UASU argues that the new directive disregards those agreements and could disrupt the smooth operation of public universities.
The union warned that enforcing the revised retirement age may result in the premature exit of experienced lecturers and professors whose expertise plays a critical role in teaching, supervising postgraduate students, conducting research, and mentoring younger academics.
UASU further expressed concern that the policy could negatively affect ongoing research projects, academic programmes, and institutional planning.
The union also raised questions about its possible impact on pension arrangements and succession planning within universities.
Union officials challenged the government to clearly explain the problem the new policy is intended to address, insisting that major reforms in higher education should be backed by research, evidence, and inclusive dialogue.
The latest remarks add to the growing debate surrounding the future of Kenya's public universities and the management of academic staff.
Education stakeholders are now expected to closely monitor the government's next steps and whether further consultations will be held before the proposed changes are implemented.
As discussions continue, UASU has reiterated its commitment to defending the interests of university lecturers while advocating for policies that strengthen, rather than weaken, the country's higher education system through meaningful stakeholder engagement.
0 Comments