The Employment and Labour Court has ordered the suspension of a strike initiated by university staff represented by the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) and the Kenya Universities Staff Union (KUSU) that began on Wednesday.
Justice Jacob Gakeri issued the injunction following an urgent application from the Inter-Public Universities’ Councils Consultative Forum (IPUCCF). The court’s directive temporarily restrains the staff from engaging in or inciting any form of strike or industrial action.
In his ruling, Justice Gakeri emphasized the need for continued negotiations to resolve the issues at hand amicably. “The parties are ordered to engage in negotiations with the aim of reaching a consensual resolution,” he stated.
The strike was launched in response to delays in the implementation of the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). The union leaders cited grievances over inadequate pay, delayed statutory deductions, and the lack of a comprehensive medical cover.
UASU Secretary General Constantine Wesonga demanded a salary increase of 7 to 10 percent, criticizing the government for its inaction. “We want the salary increment that other service employees have received. We have been waiting since our proposal was submitted on September 4, 2020,” Wesonga said.
KUSU Secretary General Charles Mukhwaya echoed these frustrations, noting that the seven-day notice period issued on September 11 had expired without a satisfactory response from the government.
The court will provide further directions on the matter on October 2.