Moi University has postponed its reopening date again.
According to an internal memo from the University Vice Chancellor Isaac Kosgey, the decision follows a special meeting held on Thursday, November 7.
Therefore, the students will resume their normal school activities on Monday, November 11, at 8:00 am.
“During its Special Meeting held on Thursday, 7th November 2024, the Senate approved the resumption of the 2024/2025 academic calendar with immediate effect.
“This is, therefore, to announce the opening of the University with immediate effect. Students are to report back for their studies and classes are to resume on Monday, 11th November 2024 at 8:00 am,” read the memo in part.
The institution had been closed indefinitely on October 3, following the industrial action of staff and subsequent student unrest because of financial and operational challenges.
However, after a meeting that was attended by the Moi University Management Board, UASU and KUSU officials, a decision was made to reopen the university on Thursday, 7th November, with students reporting back the following day.
The said date has now been changed.
Also Read: 2 Moi University Students Found Dead
Why was Moi University Closed
On Thursday, October 3, the university directed all the learners in all Campuses to vacate the University premises with immediate effect, after an industrial action.
Moi University lecturers and other workers had staged demonstrations in Eldoret City demanding payment of delayed salaries and the implementation of Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA).
Further, they presented a petition to Speaker Phillip Muigei and the MCAs, arguing that t the university’s pension scheme had collapsed due to the non-remittance of over Ksh5.5 billion deducted from employees’ salaries by the university management.
Consequently, the National Assembly Education Committee, led by Tinderet MP Julius Melly on October 18, briefed lawmakers on the severe financial crisis facing Moi University.
He highlighted issues of financial mismanagement, insolvency, and an unsustainable wage bill, noting that the university had been compelled to seek urgent financial support from the government.
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“The university’s liabilities now surpass its assets, with pending bills amounting to Ksh7.9 billion. This indicates significant financial distress,” Melly stated to Parliament.
The National Treasury disbursed Ksh609 million to Moi University in October 2024, with an additional Ksh500 million expected by November 15, 2024.
Also Read: Profile of Prof. Isaac Kosgey: At the Center of Moi University’s Troubles
Plans to Keep the University Afloat
By November 15, the National Treasury is set to release an extra Ksh500 million to support financial stabilization and recovery.
This will make up part of Ksh 2.9 billion that will be disbursed to address the institution’s financial and operational needs.
The funds are expected to cover the institution’s immediate financial obligations, including the payment of Ksh. 807 million in outstanding staff salaries for the past two months.
“Some Ksh300 million will go towards scholarships this October, in addition to Ksh217 million disbursed in August. Another Ksh219.9 million will cover tuition adding to the Ksh127.2 million allocated in August,
“Ksh89 million will be allocated as capitation for current students, complementing the Kh269 million disbursed in August,” National Assembly Education Committee Chairman Julius Melly stated during a past meeting.
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