A strike launched by university staff members affiliated with the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) and Kenya Universities Staff Union (KUSU) has been temporarily suspended by the Employment and Labour Court.

Justice Jacob Gakeri issued the order on Wednesday, following an urgent suit filed by the Inter-Public Universities’ Councils Consultative Forum (IPUCCF).

The court directed both parties to engage in negotiations to resolve the disputed issues consensually.

The strike, which began on Wednesday, was a protest against the government's failure to implement the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

The unions had issued a seven-day strike notice on September 11, which expired before any agreement was reached.

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Union leaders had criticized the government for delaying the implementation of the CBA, which includes salary increments, improved medical coverage, and timely remittance of statutory deductions.

They had demanded a seven to ten per cent salary increase, similar to what other government employees received.

"We don't want promises. We gave our proposal on September 4, 2020. If you are still asking for more time in 2024, think twice!" said UASU Secretary General Constantine Wesonga.

KUSU Secretary General Charles Mukhwaya also expressed disappointment with the government's lack of response to the strike notice, which had expired earlier this week.

The court's intervention provides a temporary reprieve for universities across the country, which had been grappling with disruptions caused by the strike.

The matter is now set to return to court on October 2, 2024 when further directions will be provided on the next steps to resolve the impasse.

In the meantime, negotiations between the university unions and the IPUCCF are expected to continue in the hope of reaching an amicable solution.