Public Universities in Kenya have been underfunded for a while, though it wasn't expected that employees would be paid 57% as is the case with Egerton University employees. Most employees at Egerton University have gone into depression because they can't meet basic human needs like food, clothing and housing. Some have possibly died because of these predicaments.

The happenings will spread across other universities if they are tolerated. If the issues are not resolved, people are going to lose jobs and lives, let alone families. This will equally affect the quality of higher education.

This is the right time to act. The employees found themselves in this scenario during the covid-19 pandemic, which many thought was excusable, but didn't look at it through the human dignity perspective. The country has since recovered, and the problem needs attention ASAP.

This petition therefore demands:

1. That the University Management Board immediately comply with court orders issued on May 30th, 2022 and revert salaries to 100% in line with the return to work formula, ending industrial action, signed on March 4, 2022.

2. That the Egerton University ceases the financial prejudice to its staff since the University receives proportionate share of capitation as other public universities and has been running its academic programmes serviced by the employees, hence the shortfall in salary percentage is not only illegal but negates fair labor practice.

3. The University Management board produces evidence that austerity measures still in effect as a result of Covid 19 are still affecting its financial standing.