Kisii University has issued a stern warning to its academic staff, cautioning against participation in what it termed as an “illegal strike.” The university’s Office of the Registrar (Administration, Human Resource, and Central Services) circulated a memo on 11 November 2024, explicitly advising staff to abstain from the strike. The directive comes in response to a recent Employment and Labour Relations Court (ELRC) order, dated 29 October 2024, which prohibited the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) from inciting members to join an unprotected strike originally scheduled to commence on the same date.
In the memo, signed by Dr. Stella Anyega, Acting Registrar of Administration, Human Resource, and Central Services (AHRCS), the university underscored that all academic staff are expected to perform their duties as usual to align with the high court’s decision. The university’s administration emphasized that the ELRC court order remains in effect, and compliance is mandatory for the staff.
Dr. Anyega further highlighted the consequences for those choosing to disregard the directive, warning that any failure to attend classes would be met with disciplinary action. “You are hereby required to be at your work station as participation in the strike is illegal,” the memo states, stressing that absence from duties would be treated as a violation warranting potential disciplinary measures.
The notice underscores the broader tension between Kenyan universities and academic staff unions, particularly regarding wage disputes, employment conditions, and collective bargaining agreements. With legal restrictions now in place, Kisii University is taking a hardline approach to uphold academic operations despite possible disruptions from unionized staff.
The court’s intervention and the university’s subsequent response are part of a wider effort to stabilize higher education amidst challenges linked to industrial action. The ELRC’s restraining order signals the judiciary’s intent to regulate industrial disputes in the sector, which have historically impacted academic calendars and student learning.
