Moi University Closed Indefinitely Over Lecturers’ Strike, Students Ordered To Vacate Immediately

The vice chancellor sent a memo to the students detailing the reasons for the university’s indefinite closure following a meeting convened by the varsity’s senate....CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE

Besides students’ unrest, the university attributed the closure to the strike of lecturers and other university staff.

Students from across the campuses were ordered to vacate the precincts immediately.

“All students in all campuses should vacate the University premises with immediate effect, all students residing in the university halls of residence should vacate with immediate effect, all international students are requested to liaise with the Dean of Students for further direction,” read the memo in part.

The university added that the dates for reopening would be communicated to them in due time.

What are grievances of Moi University workers?

The staff and lecturers at the institution have been on their industrial action for a long time stalling learning.

Among their demands is that their delayed salaries be paid fully, and the Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA) implemented.

They recently staged protests in Eldoret, defying the calls to return to work after the University Academic Staff Union (UASU) and Kenya Universities Staff Union (KUSU) realised an agreement with the government.

Also on their grievances was an alleged moribund pension scheme which was holding over KSh 5 billion deducted from their salaries.

They resorted to seeking an audience with President William Ruto to settle the issues at hand.

How financial crises have grounded Moi University

Is Moi University broke?

Successive audit reports by the Auditor General have always indicated that the institution, situated in Kesses, 35 kilometres from Eldoret, is broke and cannot meet its financial obligations unless it receives support from the government and lenders.

However, while acknowledging the financial crisis, vice-chancellor Professor Isaac Kosgey is always optimistic that the institution will once again bounce back to profitability.

For instance, three years ago, an Auditor General’s report showed that Moi University had accrued debts upward of KSh 4.5 billion, and had its operations paralysed as lenders camped in to demand their dues…CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ARTICLES>>>