Moi University administration has announced reopening dates after it was closed down due to financial and operational needs.
In a statement on November 3, Moi University Vice Chancellor (VC) Prof. Isaac S. Kosgey announced programme of activities that will take place before the institution is fully opened.
Kosgey said students will report back to the institution on November 8 after all the activities are held.
On Saturday, November 2, the university management held a consultative meeting with the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) and the Kenya Universities Staff Union (KUSU).
The meeting was attended by Moi University Management Board, UASU and KUSU officials.
A similar meeting will be held on Monday, 4th November.
This will be followed by a negotiation meeting with UASU and KUSU on Tuesday, 5th November with the same attendees.
Afterwards, there will be negotiation Meeting and Signing of Return-to-Work Formula (RTWF) with UASU and KUSU on Wednesday, 6th November.
This meeting will be attended by the Chair of Council, UASU National Secretary General (SG), Constantine Wesonga, National SG KUSU, Vice-Chancellor, University Management Board, UASU and KUSU Local Chapter Officials.
The Senate will then reopen the university on Thursday, 7th November and students reporting back the following day.
“Further communication will follow in due course,” the VC said.
Higher Education PS Statement
Higher Education and Research Principal Secretary Dr. Beatrice Muganda Inyangala said officials from the State Department for will visit the institution on November 8.
She urged the students to exercise patience and resilience as the institution is moving to reopen the University.
“Moi University Reopens! This is the schedule of activities leading to the reopening of Moi University. The State Department for Higher Education and Research will be at Moi University on Friday, November 8, 2024, to welcome the students back to the University. Comrades Resilience,” Inyangala said.
Education Committee Update on Moi University
This comes after the National Assembly Education Committee chaired by Tinderet legislator Julius Melly informed lawmakers of the university’s financial woes, citing mismanagement of funds, insolvency, and a crippling wage bill that has forced the institution to seek urgent financial aid from the government.
Speaking during a session on October 18, 2024, Melly stated that Moi University’s wage bill had ballooned to an unsustainable 88% of its total revenue.
“The University’s liabilities now exceed its assets, with pending bills standing at Ksh7.9 billion. This is a clear sign of the institution’s struggle to stay afloat, “Melly informed Parliament.
Also Read: Why Moi University is on Its Deathbed
To avert a complete collapse, Moi University has requested Ksh315 million in monthly support for the next two years, along with a one-time bailout of Ksh2.4 billion.
This was meant to clear outstanding debt and salary arrears stemming from court rulings on Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs).
“The University also plans to raise Ksh700 million by selling some of its properties as part of a broader strategy to right-size its staff,” added Melly.
“After consultations with the Office of the President, National Treasury, and Ministry of Education, concluded that the university’s financial requests were not fully sustainable,” Melly said.
Also Read: Moi University Closed Indefinitely
Treasury Disbursements & Reopening
The National Treasury disbursed Ksh609 million to Moi University in October 2024, with an additional Ksh500 million expected by November 15, 2024.
Additionally, Melly said a caretaker committee will be formed to strengthen the management of the university during this recovery phase.
The institution was tasked to find alternative ways to increase revenue through income generating activities, such as leveraging its idle assets, conducting short-term training, and improving consultancy services.
“Moi university has been directed to protect its revenue over the next three years from these activities and negotiate a priority payment plan with creditors,” stated Melly.
The House was informed that the University was expected to reopen on November 4, 2024, dependent on the signing of a RTWF by staff unions.
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