Despite the nationwide strike by university lecturers coming to an end, Moi University dons have vowed to remain off duty until the institution’s management commits to settling the Ksh.8.6 billion owed to them. The debt, which has accumulated over years, includes unremitted pensions, loans, union fees, and other deductions, creating financial turmoil for the affected staff.
The strike by university lecturers, initiated on August 26, 2024, was prompted by grievances over the non-implementation of the 2021–2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). However, at Moi University, the situation is compounded by the outstanding arrears, which have left employees facing financial hardships and severe penalties from lenders.
Speaking on Sunday, November 24, 2024, UASU Vice Chair for Moi University chapter, Linda Khaemba, stated that lecturers would not resume duties unless the management made a clear commitment to resolving the debt issue.
“It is hard to say we are going back to work before the employer commits to paying the amount,” Ms. Khaemba said.
Unmet Obligations
One of the most pressing issues highlighted by the lecturers is the non-remittance of pensions and group life cover funds. According to Ms. Khaemba, over 70 Moi University staff members have passed away while in service, and their families are yet to receive any benefits due to unremitted contributions.
“Anybody hired within the last seven years has no pension. For those who have served longer, nearly 30% of their pension has not been remitted,” she revealed.
These financial shortcomings have left staff not only grappling with debt collectors but also with little to no financial security in retirement.
Additionally, the lecturers have decried the institution’s governance and management failures, including the exclusion of academic staff from key policy-making bodies and the lack of transparency in electing deans.
The lecturers’ stand comes just a day after the University Academic Staff Union (UASU) announced the end of a nationwide strike following a deal with the Inter-Public Universities Councils Consultative Forum (IPUCCF).
Under the agreement, the government committed to fully implementing the 2021–2025 CBA, valued at Ksh.9.7 billion. This implementation will be staggered over three tranches: Ksh.4.3 billion disbursed within nine months up to June 2025, followed by two instalments of Ksh.2.7 billion each.
While this deal has been hailed as a step forward for university staff across the country, it has not addressed Moi University’s unique challenges.
Ms. Khaemba further criticized Moi University’s management for issuing warning letters to staff participating in the strike rather than engaging with their grievances. She emphasized the management’s reluctance to commit to a payment plan for the arrears.
“The management is refusing to commit to when this money will be paid,” Ms. Khaemba noted.
The financial distress has pushed many lecturers into a corner, with some facing penalties for defaulting on loans due to unremitted deductions. This situation has further strained the relationship between the university’s management and its staff.
The lecturers are demanding not only the settlement of the Ksh.8.6 billion debt but also systemic reforms in governance. They argue that resolving management inefficiencies is critical to avoiding similar issues in the future.
The standoff at Moi University underscores the broader challenges faced by Kenya’s public universities, including inadequate funding and mismanagement. As lecturers at other institutions prepare to resume work, Moi University’s unresolved issues highlight the need for tailored solutions to address institution-specific problems.
For now, Moi University remains in a stalemate, with lecturers steadfast in their demands and management yet to provide a clear resolution plan. Without intervention, the institution risks prolonged disruptions to academic programs and further damage to its reputation.
