Reports indicate that a meeting between top management from Moi University and union officials which was set to resolve the prolonged University strike has ended in a stalemate.
This consequently poses a challenge to the university’s planned reopening on Thursday, November 7.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Kosgey anticipated that negotiations would conclude today Wednesday, November 6th, referring to a circular issued last week, with KUSU and UASU expected to sign a return-to-work agreement.
The plan outlines that the university would reopen on Thursday, with students returning on Friday, November 8.
The university’s leader stated that discussions with union representatives started on Saturday.
Moi University closed indefinitely since October 3 and will reopen if a resolution is reached to end the strike involving its workers.
Moi University closure attributed to delayed salaries and CBA agreement
The strike is attributed to delayed salaries and issues related to the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
The university is also facing severe financial challenges, including debts amounting to Sh8 billion. Investigations are underway into several financial irregularities, such as unpaid payroll deductions, a defaulted loan, and outstanding bills.
Also Read: 2 Moi University Students Found Dead
The extended strike and subsequent student unrest caused the suspension of all academic activities within the institution which led to students being instructed to leave the university premises.
Earlier, Higher Education and Research Principal Secretary Dr. Beatrice Muganda Inyangala said officials drawn from the State Department will visit the institution on November 8.
She encouraged the students to remain patient and resilient as the institution works towards reopening the university
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“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.
Her statement followed a report from the National Assembly Education Committee, led by Tinderet MP Julius Melly, which highlighted the severe financial difficulties facing the university, including fund mismanagement, insolvency, and an overwhelming wage bill that has compelled the institution to request immediate financial support from the government.
Also Read: Moi University Announces Reopening Date
During an October 18, 2024, session, Melly shared that Moi University’s wage bill had surged to an unsustainable 88% of its total revenue.
“The university’s liabilities now outweigh its assets, with outstanding bills amounting to Ksh7.9 billion, a stark indicator of the institution’s financial instability,” Melly informed Parliament.
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