In a decisive ruling that reinforces the sanctity of employment contracts and professional dignity in academia, the Employment and Labour Relations Court in Kisumu has awarded Professor Atieno Ndede Amadi KSh10,185,000 in unpaid salary arrears and gratuity after a lengthy legal battle with her former employer, Great Lakes University of Kisumu (GLUK).
Delivering judgment on May 12, 2025, Justice Nzioki wa Makau found that GLUK had breached Prof. Amadi’s employment contract by failing to pay her dues at the end of her five-year term as Vice Chancellor.
Prof. Amadi a distinguished academic, administrator, columnist, and Texas (USA) Certified Public Accountant (CPA), moved to court after GLUK failed to honor her full compensation package, including unpaid salaries and gratuity, despite her transformative leadership at the institution.
“This case was not only about the money it was about justice, fairness, professional dignity, and the value of academic leadership,’’ Prof. Amadi said following the court’s decision. “I am relieved and grateful that justice has prevailed.”
The suit, filed on September 4, 2023, ended in what legal experts are hailing as a precedent-setting decision with wide implications for employment practices in institutions of higher learning across Kenya.
Although Prof. Amadi had initially claimed KSh12.675 million, the court awarded KSh10.185 million covering her full contractual entitlements, as well as legal costs and interest at court rates from the date of judgment until payment is made in full.
Justice Makau’s ruling sends a clear warning to universities and public institutions that the breach of lawful employment contracts will not go unchecked.
Her lead counsel, Michael Okelloh of Row Advocates, LLC, described the outcome as a major victory for employment rights and institutional accountability. “The ruling affirms the legal protections employees have, even at the highest levels of leadership,” he stated.
GLUK, represented by Owiti, Otieno & Ragot Advocates, indicated that it would challenge the decision. “We respect the court’s verdict but intend to pursue the matter further,” said defense lawyer Ragot.
Prof. Amadi is widely recognized as a trailblazer in the fields of information systems, finance, and academic governance. As a CPA with international certification from Texas, USA, she has not only led high-level reforms in higher education but also mentored and tutored many students through her accounting expertise and professional training.
Her tenure at GLUK was marked by expansion of academic programs, institutional reforms, and the forging of strategic partnerships with global research bodies and universities.
The ruling has been welcomed by academia and professional circles as a critical step toward promoting fairness, transparency, and respect for employment contracts in Kenya’s education sector.
As the case potentially moves to the Court of Appeal, it stands as a powerful reference point for professionals seeking redress for breach of contract, particularly within academic leadership roles.
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