Court Orders Striking Lecturers to Resume Work.
On Wednesday, the Employment and Labour Relations Court directed lecturers currently on strike to return to their duties and resume teaching.
The ruling was delivered after lecturers across various universities had earlier in the day ceased working following failed negotiations with the government. The strike threatened to disrupt learning at higher education institutions indefinitely.
Justice Jacob Gakeri ruled on the matter following a legal appeal from the Inter-Public Universities’ Councils Forum, which sought to halt the strike.
He categorized the case as urgent and urged both parties to continue negotiating to address the outstanding issues. The court also instructed the Ministry of Education and university unions to respond to the legal application within seven days, with further directions scheduled for October 2.
Strike Origins and Key Issues
Lecturers from the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) and the Kenya Universities Staff Union (KUSU) initiated the strike after the government failed to uphold a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) that had been negotiated earlier.
Following the issuance of a strike notice on September 11, the strike officially began on Wednesday, leading to a disruption of academic activities at most universities across Kenya.
UASU and KUSU members are demanding several key issues to be addressed by the government. These include:
- Medical Cover Access – Ensuring lecturers have appropriate healthcare benefits.
- CBA Conclusion – Finalizing the local Collective Bargaining Agreement.
- Salary Adjustments – Annual increments in salary.
- Staff Promotions – Enhancing career progression for university staff.
- Staff Placement – Properly placing staff on appropriate pay notches.
- Working Conditions – Improving the poor working environment in universities.
Government’s Response
On Tuesday, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba met with UASU and KUSU officials and acknowledged the legitimacy of their concerns.
He assured the unions that the government was actively working to meet their demands and make progress on key issues. He also urged the lecturers to call off their strike, emphasizing that the government was committed to finding sustainable solutions to the challenges raised.
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During the launch of the strike at the Technical University of Kenya in Nairobi, UASU and KUSU leaders asserted their significant role in President Ruto’s inclusive government. They emphasized that their voices must be heard in national discussions, particularly on matters affecting higher education and their working conditions.
Court Orders Striking Lecturers to Resume Work.
