Senator Veronica Maina, the Chair of the Kenya Women Senators Association (KEWOSA), has raised serious concerns over the ongoing financial crisis at the Technical University of Kenya (TUK), urging the Senate Committee on Education to provide urgent clarity on the institution’s restructuring plans. Maina warned that looming staff layoffs and contractual changes could have a severe impact on both the quality of education and the welfare of staff.
In a statement issued on the floor of the Senate, Maina expressed her apprehension about the planned reduction of staff numbers at TUK, which is set to decrease to 893 employees by the 2027/2028 financial year. She argued that such cuts could destabilize the university, potentially leading to a shortage of teaching staff and compromising the quality of education offered to students.
“The financial situation at TUK raises serious concerns, and we need a clear explanation on how these proposed staff cuts will affect the institution’s educational standards. The planned reduction is worrisome, and if not handled with care, it could destabilize the university’s operations,” Senator Maina said.
Senator Maina, who has a long track record of advocating for women’s rights and education, demanded a full breakdown of the projected Ksh 2.44 billion in savings that the university plans to achieve. She questioned how these savings would contribute to the university’s long-term financial stability and whether they would truly address the root causes of the crisis.
The senator also raised legal and ethical concerns over the proposed changes in employment terms at TUK. Maina sought clarification on the rationale behind altering staff contracts, including the renewal of contracts, gratuity payments, and the decision to replace contract staff with part-time lecturers. She also questioned the retention of a limited number of Graduate Assistants and Tutorial Fellows while other positions face cuts.
“I need to understand the financial rationale behind these decisions and the expected cost savings,” she said. “Moreover, it is crucial to have a clear explanation of how these changes will affect the staff who may lose their jobs or see their terms of employment altered.”
Further, Senator Maina called for transparency in the process, urging the Senate Committee on Education to provide a detailed report on the selection process for staff terminations, any consultations held with unions and stakeholders, and plans for compensating affected employees.
As part of her broader inquiry, the senator also demanded that the government outline its strategy for stabilizing public universities and ensuring that institutions like TUK receive sustainable funding. She emphasized the importance of long-term financial planning that goes beyond short-term cost-cutting measures.
Additionally, Maina called for a report on alternative revenue-generating measures that TUK could explore in order to reduce its dependency on government funding. She highlighted the need for universities to find innovative ways to ensure financial independence and avoid future financial crises that could undermine their core missions.
“The education sector must be protected. We cannot afford to see public universities like TUK go down this path without full transparency and a clear plan to stabilize them,” Senator Maina concluded.
The senator’s call for accountability and strategic planning in the education sector comes at a time when many public universities are grappling with financial difficulties. Maina’s leadership within KEWOSA, an organization dedicated to advancing the rights and welfare of women in Kenya, positions her as a key advocate for educational reforms that safeguard the interests of both students and staff.
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