Moi University has responded to online reports on the resumption of learning and teaching activities after its closure on October 3.
This clarification follows the circulation of a viral letter claiming that the University Senate had decided to reopen the institution on Monday, October 14.
The letter alleged that the Senate held a special meeting on Friday, October 11, where they resolved to resume teaching and learning for the 1st Semester of the 2024/2025 Academic Year.
“This is, therefore, to announce the reopening of the University on Monday, October 14, 2024,” stated part of the flagged letter.
It also mentioned that the university’s council and management have ensured that all operations, including hostel accommodation, will resume on the specified date.
In response, the University in its official Social Media account shared the letter with a fake stamp on it, alerting Kenyans that the information was false.
Why Moi University was Closed
The University was closed indefinitely on October 3 following staff industrial action and student unrest.
In a statement issued by the university all students across its campuses were instructed to vacate the premises without delay.
“The University Senate, in a special meeting held today, Thursday, October 3, 2024, resolved to suspend all teaching and learning activities for the 1st Semester of the 2024/2025 academic year due to the staff strike and subsequent student unrest,” the statement read.
“This is, therefore, to announce the closure of the University with immediate effect.”
Also Read: Moi University Students Forced to Live in Dirty Hostels as Staff Boycotts Work
At the time, the university asked students residing in the University halls of residence to vacate with immediate effect.
Furthermore, the University directed all international students to liaise with the Dean of Students for further direction.
The institution mentioned that the re-opening dates will be communicated in due course and that the council and management were working to ensure resumption of operations resume as soon as possible.
Dirty Hostels and University Compound
The students at the university had earlier claimed that their hostels were dirty, and the campus had not been properly cleaned following the strike of the casual workers.
There were also claims that there are two cohorts that had finished their studies but are yet to graduate, 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.
Also Read: Moi University Closed Indefinitely
Lectures and Casual Workers on Stike
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 Ksh5.5 billion deducted from employees’ salaries by the university management.
Additionally, he mentioned that the university has failed to remit more than Ksh. 1.2 billion deducted from bank loans for some employees.
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