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Moi University Suspends UASU Officials as Lecturers’ Strike Enters Third Month
Moi University has suspended 12 officials of the University Academic Staff Union (UASU) and barred them from the campus as the ongoing lecturers’ strike continues to paralyze learning. The strike, which has now entered its third month, stems from unpaid salary-related dues amounting to over Sh11 billion.
Suspension of UASU Officials
The affected officials, led by branch secretary Ojuki Nyabuta, confirmed receiving suspension letters signed by Deputy Vice Chancellor for Administration, Professor Kirimi Kiriamiti. The letters also instructed them to return all university property in their possession and prohibited them from accessing university premises.
“We have received the suspension letters and are blocked from entering the university’s main campus,” said Nyabuta, reaffirming that the strike will persist until their demands are met.
Lecturers Demand Unpaid Salaries
The suspended UASU officials, along with over 1,000 lecturers who also received “show cause” letters, are demanding the settlement of unpaid salaries, pensions, and bank loans.
The debt owed includes:
- Sh5 billion in workers’ pension funds
- Sh1.2 billion in outstanding bank loans
Despite Moi University reopening last week and students returning to campus, classes remain disrupted as striking lecturers refuse to resume teaching.
University Management vs. UASU
Vice Chancellor Professor Isaac Kosgey had earlier announced that learning would resume on November 11, 2024. However, UASU rejected this directive, stating that they had not signed any return-to-work agreement.
“Management is not our employer. The university council is the one mandated to negotiate with us. We cannot attend illegal meetings with management,” said Nyabuta.
Parliament Intervenes
In an attempt to resolve the crisis, the Parliamentary Education Committee, chaired by Nandi Hills MP Julius Melly, recently held a crisis meeting at Moi University. Lecturers and university workers voiced their frustrations, calling for the removal of Vice Chancellor Kosgey and his team.
“We are here to understand the actual situation and explore solutions that can restore normalcy at the university,” said Melly.
Following discussions with UASU, the Kenya Universities Staff Union (KUSU), and the university administration, the committee hinted at possible management changes if the financial crisis remains unresolved. However, no concrete solutions have been reached yet.
Uncertain Future for Students
With the strike showing no signs of ending soon, students face an uncertain academic future. The university remains open, but the absence of lecturers means learning remains at a standstill.
“We will not go back to class unless all our dues are paid. Management can reopen the university, but we are not part of that,” declared Nyabuta.
As the stalemate continues, the focus now shifts to whether the government and university administration will step in to resolve the crisis before it further disrupts academic programs.
In other news:Crisis Looms at Moi University as Lecturers Threaten Strike Over Unpaid Salaries
Moi University Suspends UASU Officials as Lecturers’ Strike Enters Third Month