Kenya: University staff continue nationwide strike as of Sept. 23 /update 1

The Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) and the Kenya Universities Staff Union (KUSU) are continuing their nationwide strike affecting public universities as of Sept. 23 to demand better salaries and medical cover. Protests erupted in Nairobi's CBD on Sept. 23 as striking university staff marched towards the Parliament building. Security forces made use of teargas to disperse crowds, arresting protesters. No casualties have been reported.

The strike began on Sept. 18. The Employment and Labour Relations Court issued an interdict against the strike; however, union representatives previously stated that the strike would continue until officials met their demands. It is unclear how long the work stoppage may last. Related minor gatherings have been reported near universities in recent days.

Further protests will likely persist near public universities and government buildings, particularly in urban centers such as Nairobi or Mombasa. Security forces may establish checkpoints to prevent protesters from gathering. Activists could also block roads. Further clashes between security forces and demonstrators are likely; Kenyan authorities are generally quick to use force in dispersing protests. Should students support the educational staff, the scale of the demonstrations and associated risk of clashes with security forces will likely increase.