Academic activities at Moi University have come to a halt as over 900 academic staff members, led by the University Academic Staff Union (UASU), went on strike to protest salary delays and poor working conditions.
The staff, who have not been paid for two months, vowed to suspend all teaching, supervision, and examination marking until their demands are met.
UASU Moi University Chapter Chairman Richard Okero expressed frustration with Vice Chancellor Professor Isaac Kosgey, accusing him of obstructing efforts to resolve their grievances.
“The Vice Chancellor has repeatedly avoided meeting us to discuss the issues that are affecting the smooth running of the institution,” Okero said. “We will not resume work until our concerns are addressed.”
The situation escalated at the Town Campus when security guards, under orders from the administration, attempted to prevent the lecturers from holding a ‘Kamkunji’ meeting. This led to a confrontation between union leaders and the guards, who were instructed to stop any gatherings on campus to ensure the smooth registration of first-year students. “We are instructed not to allow you to hold any meetings or demonstrations for security reasons,” a guard stated.
However, Okero dismissed these orders, asserting the staff’s right to assemble. “We have informed the VC about our planned meeting and picketing. The guards should stick to their security duties and stay away from our meeting,” he insisted.
The strike has now extended to include members from the University of Eldoret, with the lecturers announcing a week-long industrial action. They criticized the university’s new funding model as unworkable and called on President William Ruto to intervene.
The staff also demanded an urgent overhaul of the Moi University council and management by the Ministry of Education, citing extensive mismanagement of resources.
