UASU Chuka University Chapter Leaders elect pose for a group photo with members of the Electoral Board. /CHUKA UNIVERSITY
Chuka University’s chapter of the Universities Academic Staff Union has elected a new leadership team following a closely contested and transparent election.
Dr Anthony Odek was handed the mandate of serving as branch chairperson, with Dr Alice Lunani taking up the role of chapter secretary.
Dr Joseph Maina was elected vice chairperson.
Other officials elected include CPA S M Irungu (treasurer), Robinson Kenyatta (organizing secretary), and Dr Chrispine Isaboke (deputy secretary).
Delegates elected are Elizabeth Mutunga, Elizabeth Magero, and Dr Charity Nyaboke, while Lilian Makena, Faith Nyaga, and Felister Mbaka will serve as trustees.
A tie for assistant treasurer between Linet Mutua and Dr Peris Nderitu will be settled in a repeat vote.
Counting of votes during Chuka University UASU chapter elections on Tuesday, March 17, 2026. /CHUKA UNIVERSITIY/FB
In his acceptance remarks, Dr Odek praised the electoral board and members for ensuring a credible process, saying the peaceful and verifiable polls reflect the maturity of the union.
He urged members to unite behind the new leadership in addressing emerging challenges and advancing staff welfare.
Dr Alice Lunani thanked outgoing officials and the Chuka Labour Office for supervising the elections, emphasising that a strong union is built on active membership, unity, and shared responsibility.
She pledged to promote transparency and effective engagement.
Electoral board chair Prof Sammy Musundi congratulated the new team and confirmed plans for a repeat vote to resolve the assistant treasurer tie.
The leadership is expected to strengthen representation, enhance member engagement and improve advocacy for academic staff welfare.
Public universities across Kenya are currently holding UASU chapter elections pursuant to a directive from the Registrar of Trade Unions requiring the 2026–31 cycle elections to be conducted between January 5 and March 31, 2026.
The University of Nairobi is preparing for its chapter polls on March 26 while several other universities, including the University of Eldoret, held their chapter polls on March 17.
UASU elections are crucial for selecting leadership to negotiate and implement collective bargaining agreements (CBA), ensure accountability, and advocate for staff welfare.
They also shape university governance, working conditions and legitimate representation, particularly on issues like pay and working hours.
The polls come after the national union under secretary general Constantine Wasonga signed a return-to-work formula that ended a 49-day nationwide lecturers’ strike in November 2025, and paved the way for negotiations on the new 2025–29 CBA.
Effective from July 1, 2025, through 2029, the agreement is expected to address salary adjustments for inflation and improved terms for both teaching and non-teaching staff as UASU, KUSU and KUDHEIHA continue to push for better pay and working conditions.
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