By Kepher Otieno
In a landmark ruling that reinforces the legal obligation of institutions to honor employment contracts, the Employment and Labour Relations Court in Kisumu has awarded Professor Atieno Ndede Amadi a total of KSh 10,185,000 in unpaid salary arrears and gratuity.
The judgment, delivered by Justice Nzioki wa Makau, marks the end of a protracted legal dispute between Prof. Amadi and her former employer, Great Lakes University of Kisumu (GLUK), over the non-payment of dues owed during her tenure.
The ruling also sends a strong message to universities and other institutions of higher learning about the importance of adhering to lawful employment agreements and ensuring timely payment of staff entitlements.
It highlights the courts’ willingness to intervene where employees’ rights have been violated and sets a precedent for academic professionals seeking redress for contractual breaches in the education sector.
Prof Amadi, a highly respected scholar and administrator, and a Columnist, served as the Vice Chancellor of GLUK under a five-year contract term, where she was credited with initiating critical reforms, expanding academic programs, and strengthening institutional governance.
Despite her extraordinary contributions to the institution, her employer-GLUK failed to remit part of her agreed-upon compensation package, including salary arrears and gratuity, upon the conclusion of her service contract.
Frustrated by the university’s inaction, Prof Amadi filed a legal suit seeking justice and the enforcement of her legal employment rights.
After a lengthy court process, the judge in the case ruled in her favor, confirming that GLUK had indeed failed to meet its financial obligations.
“I am relieved and grateful that justice has prevailed,” said Prof Amadi shortly after the court ruling.
The court case was filed by the claimant on 4th September 2023 and judgment delivered on 12th May 2025.
“This case was not only about the money — it was more about justice, fairness, professional dignity, and the value of academic leadership,’’ said Prof. Amadi.
Although the Claimant, Prof. Amadi, had demanded Shs. 12,675,000, in delivering the verdict, Justice Wa Makau ordered GLUK to pay her a total of Kshs.10,185,000 Million.
The principal sum covers the full extent of unpaid salary arrears and gratuity, as stipulated in her contract, plus costs of the suit and interest on the sums awarded at court rates.
This is from the date of judgment until payment in full.
The ruling has been hailed by academicians and other professionals alike as a critical step in advancing accountability and transparency in the governance of institutions of higher learning and others.
Prof.Amadi is a trailblazer in the fields of information systems, finance and academics.
With decades of experience in academia through teaching, research, and administration, she has held various senior positions in both the university and other sectors.
Her tenure at GLUK marked a period of transformation for the institution, especially in building collaborative links and other networks between the university and global research and other institutions.
The outcome of her case is being viewed as a potential precedent for academic professionals who often face delays or denials in receiving their rightful benefits, especially upon exiting leadership roles.
Her Legal experts led by Michael Okelloh of Row Advocates, LLC averred that the judgment sends a strong message to employers, particularly in academia, about the legal consequences of breaching employment contracts.
The defense team in the case was led by Owiti, Otieno & Ragot Advocates of Kisumu. The case was filed on 15/5/25. Ragot said they will contest the matter further.
According to Prof’s lawyer, they intend to proceed to the Court of Appeal in the event the varsity delays in upholding and effecting the jury.
