KUSU Condemns Generic HR Reforms in Public Universities as Violation of Staff Rights
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By John Kariuki
Nairobi — The Kenya Universities Staff Union (KUSU) has sharply criticized the implementation of generic Human Resource Instruments (HRIs) in public universities, accusing Vice Chancellors of using the reforms to unlawfully restructure staff terms and conditions without due process.
In a press statement released Wednesday, July 9, 2025, KUSU Secretary General Dr. Charles Mukhwaya condemned the rollout as “unethical, opaque, and in breach of established labor rights.” He alleged that Vice Chancellors have hijacked a Public Service Commission (PSC) directive meant to harmonize HR frameworks, turning it into a self-serving scheme that ignores collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) and constitutional protections.
“These changes are not about compliance or efficiency,” Dr. Mukhwaya said. “They are about entrenching power and privilege while eroding the rights of academic and non-academic staff.”
KUSU raised alarms over unilateral amendments to court-registered CBAs, the scrapping or downgrading of negotiated job grades, and the creation of inflated grades seemingly tailored to benefit top administrators nearing retirement. The union claims these actions have bypassed proper negotiations and sidestepped labor laws.
Dr. Mukhwaya accused university management of pushing through HR reforms under the guise of standardization, without involving staff unions in line with legal requirements. “This is a direct assault on social dialogue, decency, and constitutional labor protections,” he added.
The union also warned that the changes contravene international labor standards, including those of the International Labour Organization (ILO), by undermining the right to fair remuneration, job security, and negotiated employment terms.
KUSU now demands an immediate halt to the implementation of any HR reforms that have not been formally agreed upon through recognized bargaining processes. The union insists that all HR instruments currently under review or awaiting approval by the PSC must first be subjected to joint consultations.
“We are not opposed to reform, but we reject reform through coercion,” said Dr. Mukhwaya. “We will resist any backdoor attempt to disenfranchise our members.”
KUSU’s position reflects broader unrest in Kenya’s public universities, where strained budgets and policy shifts have ignited tensions between administration and labor groups. The union’s warning signals a potential escalation of industrial action if dialogue is not restored.
As pressure mounts, KUSU’s message is clear: any attempt to restructure Kenya’s higher education workforce without adherence to law, consultation, and fairness will face firm resistance.
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