Moi University Lecturers Defy Sack Threats as Sh9 Billion Pay Row Drags On Third Week
Lecturers at Moi University in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County are now facing threats for their ongoing strike.
University Academic Staff Union (UASU) officials at the institution have blamed management for the threats and said they will not resume classes until their demands are met.
Speaking to the press, UASU representative Duncan Mukhwana assured members that threats of dismissal were empty.
“Some of our members have been told they will be fired if they don’t go back to work. We want to tell them this will not happen,” he said.
Demands Not Met
Lecturers who went on strike on August 20 say no agreement has been reached with the university council. They accuse management of not remitting pension contributions, neglecting medical cover for three months and leaving staff with unpaid loans that bar them from accessing new credit facilities.
UASU says the strike will continue until their over 25 demands including salary arrears and statutory deductions are met. The union estimates the arrears owed to staff is over Sh9 billion.
Talks Stalled
Efforts to resolve the crisis have so far failed. Talks last week collapsed and UASU officials led by Chairman Richard Okero, Acting Secretary Dr. Mukhwana and Organising Secretary Nyabuta Ojuki have said classes will not resume.
“We know our rights,” Dr. Mukhwana said adding that another meeting with management has been scheduled.
Meanwhile students who have reported back to campus are stuck, learning is at a standstill.
Voices from Both Sides
Student leader Pauline Jeruto has called on the Ministry of Education to intervene.
“We are here to study, nothing else. Our lecturers have valid concerns that must be addressed,” she said.
Vice Chancellor Professor Kiplagat Kotut is optimistic. He has promised fresh talks will be held and said the university is committed to dialogue.
But UASU branch secretary Dr. Wegesa Busolo dismissed the last offer from management saying it was not enough. He pointed out unpaid June and July salaries, unfulfilled commitments from the 2021–2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement and unresolved issues from a Return-to-Work Formula signed in November 2024.UASU Chairperson Linda Khaemba said the situation is demoralising staff.
“It’s hard to motivate our students when they can see we are struggling,” she said.
Moi University is at a standstill for now. Lecturers are not budging and students are stuck.
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Moi University Lecturers Defy Sack Threats as Sh9 Billion Pay Row Drags On Third Week