UoN orders striking lecturers to resume work

The University of Nairobi (UoN) has instructed its striking lecturers to resume work immediately, as the University Academic Staff Union (Uasu) engages members of Parliament in a bid to resolve the ongoing labour dispute.

While issuing the directive on Tuesday, acting Vice Chancellor Margaret Jesang said the strike had caused widespread disruption to learning across Kenya’s public universities, impacting thousands of students and jeopardising academic schedules.

Prof Jesang urged all involved parties to seek constructive dialogue, stressing that the prolonged paralysis risks further damage to the education sector’s stability and reputation.

 “The strike has not only impacted teaching and learning activities, but has also affected research, community service, and the general operations of the university,” she said.

Collaborative efforts

“While the university management fully acknowledges the importance of the concerns raised by the academic staff, we remain committed to addressing these issues through collaborative efforts with all stakeholders involved.”

The strike, which resumed on October 29, has disrupted learning and operations at UoN and other public universities across the country.

Uasu is demanding full implementation of the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), a deal the union struck with the Inter-Public Universities Councils’ Consultative Forum (IPUCCF) in September.

After signing the deal to end the strike in September, the parties agreed to form a committee to work out simulations of how the dons would benefit. The team retreated to Machakos University for three days where they came up with simulations.

The simulation done by the committee puts the total cost at Sh9.7 billion. 

However, according to a simulation by the Ministry of Education, the total figure due to lecturers totals Sh4.3 billion. It is this offer that Uasu rejected and called on its members to stay away from the lecture halls. 

Disciplinary action

But Prof Jesang warned that UoN would take disciplinary action against lecturers who fail to report to work, with deans assigned to monitor attendance.

“All academic staff of the University of Nairobi should resume their duties immediately consequent to the orders of the court, Deans of Faculties and Chairs of Departments have been instructed to conduct daily roll calls and submit the data to the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), with a copy to the Vice Chancellor,” she said.

“Any faculty member found not fulfilling their employment obligations will face appropriate action as stipulated in their employment contracts and under the law.”

The VC emphasised that no one would be allowed to threaten or pressure individuals who choose to fulfil their responsibilities during the strike period.

“No individual will be permitted to incite or intimidate those wishing to carry out their duties during this time. I also encourage our staff to remain committed to the university’s mission of providing quality education that meets the aspirations of both the local and global community,” she said.

Uasu’s talks with MPs come hours after the union doubled down on its commitment to continue the nationwide strike across public universities, rejecting calls to return to class.

In a statement, Uasu criticised the University of Nairobi’s order, accusing the administration of attempting to intimidate lecturers on strike.

Dr Maloba Wekesa, the UoN chapter secretary, condemned the alleged interference, stating that the DVC does not have the authority to oversee lecturers and calling the directive "misplaced and misinformed.

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