Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has vowed to initiate a sweeping overhaul of Moi University, aimed at restoring its reputation as a leading institution of higher learning. The announcement comes amid ongoing investigations into alleged mismanagement at the university, with promises to hold those responsible accountable.
Speaking during a tour of the Moi University School of Medicine campus in Eldoret, CS Ogamba highlighted the urgent need for reforms to address the challenges facing the institution. He emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability in the management of universities across the country.
“We are prepared to take necessary actions so that our universities are run in a transparent manner, ensuring credible institutions offering proper academic qualifications. We are ready to make hard decisions to guarantee hygiene in this sector,” Ogamba stated.
The CS underscored that the government would not shy away from making tough choices, including dismissing individuals found culpable of mismanagement. “These hard decisions include people going home. Whatever changes that need to be done will be done,” he added.
Plans for Systemic Reforms
Ogamba also addressed the contentious issue of the new Higher Education Funding (HEF) model. He acknowledged the concerns raised by stakeholders and assured that a comprehensive review of the model and its variables was underway.
“The issue of the Higher Education Funding model is being looked into. In a few months, we will have a model that fits its purpose,” he said.
The current HEF model has faced criticism from students and education stakeholders for being overly complex and allegedly inequitable in distributing financial aid. The review aims to streamline funding mechanisms to support the sustainability of higher education institutions while ensuring affordability for students.
End of Prolonged Lecturers’ Strike
The visit also marked a breakthrough in labor disputes at Moi University. On Saturday, CS Ogamba and officials from the Ministry of Education signed a return-to-work formula with the University Academic Staff Union (UASU).
The agreement brought an end to the lecturers’ strike, which had paralyzed learning at the institution since August 2024. The prolonged industrial action had severely disrupted academic activities, raising concerns about the quality of education at the university.
CS Ogamba praised the lecturers for their willingness to engage in dialogue and expressed optimism that the pact would pave the way for a more stable academic calendar. “The signing of this pact is a significant step forward, and we appreciate the cooperation of all stakeholders in resolving the impasse,” he noted.
Reviving Moi University’s Reputation
Once a beacon of academic excellence, Moi University has faced numerous challenges in recent years, including financial mismanagement, declining academic standards, and labor unrest. The institution’s financial woes have reportedly led to delayed salaries, inadequate infrastructure, and strained relations between management and staff.
The planned reforms are expected to address these issues comprehensively, restoring the institution’s reputation as a vibrant center for learning and research. Stakeholders have lauded the government’s resolve, urging swift implementation of the proposed changes.
A Broader Call for Reforms in Higher Education
The issues plaguing Moi University mirror broader challenges facing Kenya’s higher education sector. Mismanagement, underfunding, and labor disputes have become recurrent themes, prompting calls for systemic reforms to enhance the quality and credibility of university education.
CS Ogamba’s visit and his pledges for action signal the government’s acknowledgment of the gravity of these challenges. As the investigations at Moi University continue, the sector is keenly watching to see whether these commitments will translate into lasting change.
For students and staff at Moi University, the promise of reform offers a glimmer of hope. Many believe that decisive action could mark the beginning of a new chapter, restoring the institution’s legacy as a leader in higher education.
