On September 23, 2024, police fired tear gas at striking university staff from the University of Nairobi during a protest in Nairobi’s Central Business District.

The protest was organized by the University Academic Staff Union (UASU) and Kenya Universities Staff Union (KUSU), who were demanding the implementation of the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which includes salary increments, comprehensive medical cover, and payment of delayed salaries. Protesters marched to deliver petitions to Parliament, the Ministry of Education, and the Treasury. Police intervened, shooting tear gas and arresting at least 20 protesters.

Scholars at Risk is concerned about the use of force during a protest. While state authorities have the responsibility to maintain order and prevent disruption, they must refrain from the disproportionate use of force and endangerment of civilians and must respect the right to freedom of association and freedom of expression. protesters must refrain from violence, especially on campus, and also respect the right to freedom of association and freedom of expression. Such actions, beyond harming the immediate victims, have a chilling effect on academic freedom

Sources:
*SAR identified this incident in data made publicly available by the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED)
https://nation.africa/kenya/news/university-lecturers-vow-to-continue-with-strike-as-they-condemn-police-brutality-4772906
https://nation.africa/kenya/news/several-university-lecturers-arrested-in-nairobi-cbd-ahead-of-planned-march-to-parliament-4772300
https://www.capitalfm.co.ke/news/2024/09/police-lob-teargas-to-disperse-striking-university-staff-in-nairobi-cbd/