Kaimosi Friends University (KAFU) has officially signed and formalized a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU). The event which took place on 14th March 2025, marked a key milestone in the university’s commitment to fostering better relationships with its academic staff unions.
The signing ceremony was graced by Dr. Fauzia Karama, a member of the University Council, acting Vice Chancellor Prof. Peter Mwita, Deputy Vice Chancellor of Administration, Finance, and Development (DVC AF&D) Prof. Thomas Kipkurgat, and Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor of Academic and Student Affairs (ASAR), Prof. Julius Kipkemboi, who represented KAFU's management.
Dr. Karama, speaking on behalf of the University Council, she emphasized the importance of the CBA in promoting collaboration between KAFU and the teaching staff. She assured the Council commitment to enhancing academic growth and encouraged UASU members to serve the institution’s mission.
The acting Vice Chancellor Prof. Mwita acknowledged that the negotiation process was thorough and it has been a milestone and an achievement for the university and UASU. He gave his assurance that he will ensure full implementation of the agreement.
“We express our pledge in establishing an independent negotiation platform and assured that the implementation of the agreement would be a top priority” He said. Prof. Mwita noted that the CBA, is designed to prioritize staff welfare and the university's commitment to its employees.
The formalization of the CBA signifies a step forward in strengthening the relationship between KAFU and UASU, setting a foundation for future collaboration and mutual growth.
The management also assured the union that it had developed a proposal on payment of gratuity to tutorial fellows who had been employed on a contract basis. The proposal, will be presented to the university council for approval, outlines a payment plan based on a ratio of 2:2:1 was agreed upon by both the management and the union.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Federation of Kenya Employer Mr. Thomas Achok, thanked the University Council and Management for agreeing to have the CBA concluded and expressed optimism that staff morale will be boosted.