NAIROBI, Kenya- The University of Nairobi has directed all students and academic staff to resume classes after a recent court ruling declared the ongoing strike unprotected.
In a November 7 circular, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Ayub Gitau, emphasized that the Employment and Labour Relations Court deemed the strike, which began on October 29, illegal under Kenyan labor laws.
The Employment and Labour Relations Court in Nairobi responded to a strike organized by the University Academic Staff Union (UASU) aimed at addressing various staff grievances.
However, the court found that the strike did not meet the legal criteria for protection, effectively invalidating the action.
In light of the ruling, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Gitau reiterated the university’s stance, urging staff to return to their teaching duties and students to attend classes without interruption.
“Teaching and learning must continue uninterrupted,” he stated, reminding academic staff that they are not legally protected if they participate in the strike.
To enforce the ruling, the University of Nairobi assigned the Deans Committee to closely monitor class attendance and provide updates.
The university warned that those defying the court’s decision may face disciplinary actions, underscoring that “staff and students who ignore the court order will be held personally accountable.”
This directive aims to restore the academic calendar and ensure classes proceed without further disruptions.
The court also advised both UASU and university management to revisit the Return-to-Work formula signed on September 26, 2024, to resolve ongoing disputes.
This agreement, the court noted, provides a framework for addressing the grievances that initially triggered the strike. In the ruling, the court instructed UASU to file and serve a response to the Notice of Motion dated October 24, 2024, within 14 days.
As negotiations continue, students and staff are expected to adhere to academic schedules, moving beyond recent disruptions to focus on the university’s core mission.
This outcome marks a critical juncture for all parties, promising a renewed commitment to finding resolutions through constructive dialogue and, ultimately, reinforcing the stability of the university community.
