Moi University Strike Worsens as KUSU Joins Protests in Eldoret

The ongoing strike at Moi University has taken a turn for the worse as the Kenya Universities Staff Union (KUSU) joined forces with the University Academic Staff Union (UASU) in a demonstration held in Eldoret. The strike, now entering its third week, has led to a complete paralysis of operations at the university, with both academic and non-academic staff participating in protests demanding their dues.

The members of UASU and KUSU took to the streets of Eldoret, voicing their frustrations over unpaid salaries and unremitted pension funds, which they claim amount to over Sh5 billion. This action comes after repeated attempts to negotiate with the university’s management and the Ministry of Labour, which have yet to yield any positive results. According to the unions, the workers have not received their salaries for July and August, and deductions from their salaries, including pensions, union dues, and bank loans, have not been remitted.

KUSU branch secretary Mary Chepkwemoi emphasized the dire situation, stating that the university must fulfill all agreements with the workers and clear all outstanding payments before staff will consider returning to work. “We want the university to implement all agreements with the workers and pay all that is due to them before they resume work,” Chepkwemoi said during the protest.

UASU secretary at Moi University, Nyabuta Ojuki, echoed Chepkwemoi’s sentiments, pointing out that the ongoing dispute has persisted for more than a decade, with university employees suffering from the management’s consistent failure to address their concerns. “Efforts by the Labour Ministry to resolve the strike dispute at the university had failed because the management of the college was not willing to effectively deal with issues raised by workers,” Ojuki claimed.

Ojuki highlighted that the situation has been exacerbated by the non-payment of casual workers, who have not received their wages for the last eight months. He added that the unresolved financial issues have left many staff members struggling to meet their daily needs, significantly affecting morale and productivity at the institution.

The protestors have called on President William Ruto to intervene in the situation, urging him to step in and prevent the collapse of one of Kenya’s major public universities. Chepkwemoi criticized regional politicians for failing to follow through on their promises to resolve the issues plaguing Moi University, accusing them of abandoning their commitments once they were elected into office.

“When they came looking for votes they gave us fake promises and have now neglected us,” Chepkwemoi lamented, reflecting the broader discontent among university staff who feel betrayed by political leaders from the region.

As the strike continues, the academic future of thousands of students hangs in the balance, with classes suspended and administrative functions at a standstill. The stalemate between the university management and the unions has raised concerns about the long-term viability of the institution if a resolution is not reached soon.

The UASU and KUSU officials have vowed to maintain their strike action until all their grievances are addressed comprehensively. They remain steadfast in their demand for accountability and transparency from the university’s management, as well as immediate payment of all dues owed to staff.

The ongoing strike at Moi University highlights the broader financial and administrative challenges facing many public universities in Kenya. With increasing calls for government intervention, it remains to be seen whether the grievances of the staff will be resolved swiftly, allowing the university to resume normal operations and provide uninterrupted education to its students.

For now, the staff of Moi University continue to stand firm in their protest, determined to secure their rights and ensure that their voices are heard. As the strike enters its third week, the pressure mounts on the university’s management and government officials to find a sustainable solution to this escalating crisis.