Moi University has been closed with immediate effect following the industrial action of staff and subsequent student unrest.
In a statement on Thursday, October 3, the university directed all the learners in all Campuses to vacate the University premises with immediate effect.
“The University Senate in a Special Meeting held today Thursday 3rd October 2024 resolved to suspend the teaching and learning activities of the 1st Semester 2024/2025 Academic Year as a consequence of the industrial action of staff and subsequent student unease,” read the statement in part.
“This is, therefore, to announce the closure of the University with immediate effect.”
Moi University Closed
At the same time, the university asked students residing in the University halls of residence to vacate with immediate effect.
Furthermore, the University directed all international students is requested to liaise with the Dean of Students for further direction.
“The re-opening dates will be communicated in due course,” the statement reads further.
“The University Council and Management are working to ensure that University operations resume as soon as possible.”
Also Read: Moi University Students Forced to Live in Dirty Hostels as Staff Boycotts Work
This closure comes a day before the staff and students had planned to go on strike.
Moi Lectures and Staff Striking
Moi University lecturers and other workers on Wednesday October 2 staged fresh demonstrations in Eldoret City demanding payment of delayed salaries and the implementation of Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA).
Over 4,000 workers marched through the streets to the Uasin Gishu County Assembly, where they presented a petition to Speaker Phillip Muigei and the MCAs.
Despite University Academic Staff Union (UASU) and Kenya Universities Staff Union (KUSU) officials calling off the boycott last week, the workers vowed to remain on strike.
UASU branch deputy Secretary Nyabuta Ojuki stated that none of their demands had been met, despite the unions signing a return-to-work formula with Vice-chancellors.
Ojuki stated that the university pension scheme had collapsed due to the non-remittance of over Ksh. 5.5 billion deducted from employees’ salaries by the university management.
Also Read: Moi University Staff Apologizes to Former Vice Chancellor Chased Away by Local Leaders
Additionally, he mentioned that the university has failed to remit more than Ksh. 1.2 billion deducted from bank loans for some employees.
Dirty Hostels and Shortage of Condoms in The University
The students at the university had claimed that the hostels were dirty, and the campus had not been properly cleaned following the strike of the casual workers.
There are also claims that there are two cohorts that have finished their studies and have still not graduated, with no updates on when that will happen.
The University had also issued a notice on the shortage of condoms to the health facilities around.
The administration cautioned students to abstain from sexual activity if possible and to remain faithful to one trusted partner. If neither of these options is feasible, they advised students to purchase protection from commercial outlets
“Always keep yourself busy with other worthwhile activities,” read the notice in part.
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