The ongoing strike at the University of Nairobi (UoN), which has entered its third week, has faced new pressures as Vice Chancellor Professor Margaret Hutchinson has ordered striking academic staff to return to work immediately. In an address to the university community, Hutchinson emphasized that the industrial action had been declared illegal by the Industrial Court and that disciplinary action would be taken against lecturers who do not comply with the directive.
On October 29, the Industrial Court ruled that the strike, initiated by members of the University Academic Staff Union (UASU), was unprotected, meaning it lacked the necessary legal backing. The court also directed both the government and the lecturers to expedite negotiations. Despite this ruling, UASU, led by Secretary General Constantine Wasonga, has vowed to continue the strike until the government honors the 2022-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which they argue promises improved terms for academic staff but has not yet been fully implemented.
In her address, Hutchinson acknowledged the significance of the concerns raised by the lecturers but stressed that the university’s operations could no longer be hampered by the strike. She urged both sides to engage in dialogue, with an inter-ministerial negotiation committee working to resolve the issues at hand. Hutchinson said, “The matter has been prosecuted in our courts of law and deemed unprotected… I’m hopeful matters under contention will be resolved amicably soon.”
To ensure compliance with the court’s directive, Hutchinson has ordered that deans and department chairs conduct daily roll calls to monitor attendance. The data will be submitted to the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and a copy sent to the Vice Chancellor’s office. Those found not attending work will face disciplinary measures, in line with their employment contracts. The Vice Chancellor made it clear that lecturers who wish to return to class should not face intimidation or harassment from those still participating in the strike.
The strike has had far-reaching effects on the university’s operations, disrupting learning, research, community services, and other essential functions. With public universities nationwide facing similar disruptions, the government and lecturers have been under increasing pressure to reach a resolution. Hutchinson’s call for the lecturers to resume work comes amidst mounting frustration from students, parents, and other stakeholders, who have been left wondering when normal academic activities will resume.
Hutchinson emphasized that despite the ongoing strike, preparations for the University’s 77th graduation ceremony, scheduled for December 13, are progressing well. This is expected to be a momentous occasion for the institution, with over 5,000 students set to graduate. She expressed gratitude for the patience of the students and reiterated her commitment to fostering an environment of industrial harmony at the university.
At the heart of the lecturers’ strike is the issue of the 2022-2025 CBA, which the union claims the government has failed to fully implement. UASU argues that the deal includes provisions meant to enhance the welfare of academic staff, such as improved salaries, allowances, and working conditions, but that the government has not honored its commitments.
While Hutchinson has called for a swift return to work, UASU remains firm in its position, with Wasonga stating that the lecturers will only return to class once the government meets the terms of the CBA. The union’s insistence on the importance of fulfilling the negotiated terms reflects broader concerns over the state of academic labor in Kenya’s public universities, where workers have long struggled with underfunding, poor working conditions, and delayed payments.
In conclusion, the ongoing stand-off between the University of Nairobi’s administration and the striking lecturers highlights the tension between legal rulings, institutional operations, and the demand for fair treatment of academic staff. The coming days will likely determine the future of the strike, with both sides under pressure to find a resolution that balances legal obligations with the need for dialogue and reform.
