Moi University Lecturers Announce Fresh Strike

Moi University staff members have gone on strike again, less than a month after they signed a return-to-work formula in November 2024 with the Inter-Public Universities Councils Consultative Forum (IPUCCF).

In a joint statement by the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) and the Kenya University Staff Union (KUSU) on Friday, January 10, the unions directed all their members to suspend their services indefinitely.

The unions attributed the decision to the university’s failure to adhere to the terms agreed upon by the stakeholders in the Return-to-Work Formula.

“Following a meeting of all Members of Staff of Moi University, it has been decided that the industrial action commenced last year in August 2024 be resumed with immediate effect,” read the statement in part.

“This means that staff are withdrawing all their services to the employer. This regrettable action is occasioned by the failure of the employer to adhere to the Return-to-Work Formula signed between the parties. We call upon all staff to, therefore, stay away from their workstations until further notice from the Unions.”

Moi University Vice Chancellor (VC) Prof. Isaac S. Kosgey. PHOTO/ Moi University. Moi University Vice Chancellor (VC) Prof. Isaac S. Kosgey. PHOTO/ Moi University. — Moi University Vice Chancellor (VC) Prof. Isaac S. Kosgey. PHOTO/ Moi University.

Moi University Staff Resume Strike Over Unmet Demands

UASU secretary at Moi University, Nyabuta Ojuki, said the university had not paid them salaries for the last two months leading to the strike decision.

“All other universities have implemented the national CBA and paid salaries after receiving money from the Treasury, but at Moi University, nothing has changed,” Ojuki said.

Also Read: Moi University Announces Major Changes in 2025

The return-to-work deal was signed between vice chancellors and the unions after agreeing on a national Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which was meant to provide enhanced salaries for all workers.

The deal included the government’s commitment to fully implement the 2021–2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), valued at Ksh.9.7 billion.

The implementation was set to occur in three tranches, with the first tranche of Ksh.4.3 billion covering nine months up to June 2025. The remaining Ksh.5.4 billion would be disbursed in two instalments of Ksh.2.7 billion each.

The strike at Moi University follows a day after Vice-Chancellor Prof. Isaac Kosgey announced strategic measures to address the challenges that plagued the institution in 2024.

Kosgey highlighted staff welfare as a key area of focus, following numerous strikes in 2024 due to delayed payments and unfavorable working conditions.

Also Read: Ruto Speaks on Moi University Leadership & Plans for Its Revival

Three-month Strike in 2024

On August 26, 2024, Moi University lecturers downed their tools over a growing debt that has been accumulating since 2016, which includes unremitted loans, pensions, union fees, and other deductions.

The university owes its academic staff Ksh.4.2 billion in unremitted pensions, Ksh.1.2 billion in unremitted bank loans, Ksh.1.2 billion in salary arrears, Ksh.85 million in union fees, and Ksh.100 million for welfare societies.

Additionally, Moi University has failed to pay Ksh.70 million in benevolent funds, Ksh.50 million in gratuity fees, and Ksh.90 million for life insurance coverage.

Another Ksh.1.6 billion is owed to lecturers, covering unpaid insurance premiums, as well as payment for teaching Privately Sponsored Students and assessing students on industrial attachment.

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