Here is what you need to know to get up to speed with today’s  top headlines.

University strike

The striking university lecturers are expected to issue the way forward after the court ruled that their industrial action was unprotected.

The University Academic Staff Union (UASU) had earlier declared that the strike would go on until the government heeded their demands as stipulated in the 2012-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

Despite their hard stance, the Employment and Labour Court observed that the industrial action that began on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, was illegal, directing the government and lecturers to expedite negotiations pending a full hearing.

Verdict on conservatory orders

Impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua will return to court on Thursday, October 31, 2024.

The three-judge bench will rule on whether to set aside orders that stopped Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki from being sworn in as the deputy president or extend it.

The ruling on the conservatory order is expected to be delivered starting at 2:30 pm.

FIDA to President Ruto: Declare Femicide a National Crisis

In the face of escalating violence against women, the Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) has called on His Excellency President William Ruto to declare femicide a national crisis, underscoring an urgent need for action as the nation’s women continue to face brutal attacks and loss of life.

On Tuesday, October 29, 2024, FIDA demanded that the President address the nation and officially declare femicide a national crisis and disaster. The organization emphasized the need for President Ruto to reassure the public that his administration is committed to protecting women and girls across Kenya

IMF disbursement

The country is expected to react after the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Executive Board completed the review of Kenya’s economic programs, approving Ksh78 billion ($606 million) in combined disbursements.

The financing will support efforts to strengthen public finances and enhance resilience to climate shocks while protecting priority social spending.

“We recognize the complex balancing act Kenya faces: boosting domestic revenues to protect critical spending while meeting debt obligations