The three-month-long strike at Moi University has officially come to an end following the signing of a return-to-work deal by various stakeholders. This resolution brings relief to more than 900 academic staff and 2,300 non-teaching workers, as well as thousands of students whose academic progress was disrupted by the protracted stalemate.
The deal was signed in the presence of Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba and Higher Education Principal Secretary Beatrice Inyangala, signaling a significant government intervention. The agreement includes an immediate provision of Sh500 million from the government to address some of the financial grievances raised by the workers.
Key unions involved in the strike the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU), the Kenya Universities Staff Union (KUSU), and the Kenya Union of Domestic Hotels and Education Institutions and Allied Workers Union (KUDHEIHA) played a pivotal role in negotiating the terms. UASU Secretary General Constantine Wasonga and KUSU National Secretary James Mogaka confirmed that the unions had agreed to a compromise, with the workers’ demands being met halfway.
Negotiations and Compromise
Wasonga acknowledged that while the deal does not fully satisfy the Sh8.6 billion initially demanded, it represents a positive step forward. “To the workers, let’s go back to work on Monday. Although we did not get all that we wanted, at least we got something. Even the tail is meat,” he remarked, encouraging employees to focus on rebuilding the institution.
He further noted that the workers would collaborate with the university to recover lost time, particularly in resuming disrupted learning programs. The agreement also outlines a government roadmap to provide additional funding over time to meet the institution’s long-term needs.
Government Intervention
CS Ogamba emphasized that the government is committed to addressing the systemic challenges facing Moi University, which he described as being on its “deathbed.” He announced plans for immediate management changes, stating that poor decision-making was a major contributor to the university’s woes.
“The students and workers have suffered because of wrong decisions they did not participate in making,” Ogamba said. He assured stakeholders that stringent monitoring of all public universities would be implemented to prevent similar crises in the future.
The CS hailed the deal as a significant breakthrough and called on the university community to rally together in rebuilding Moi University’s reputation.
Rebuilding the University
Vice-Chancellor Isaac Kosgey expressed optimism about the institution’s future, pledging to restore Moi University’s former glory. He announced plans for a graduation ceremony in December, where over 6,000 students are expected to receive their degrees.
“We will work hard to restore our lost glory through the provision of quality education,” Kosgey said. Meanwhile, the university’s Council Chairman, Humphrey Njuguna, urged stakeholders to move past their differences for the betterment of the institution. “Let’s forgive each other because of the differences we have had so that we move forward,” he said.
A Path Forward
PS Inyangala encouraged students to view the strike as a minor setback, emphasizing the resilience of the university community. She assured them that the administration would work tirelessly to regain their trust and ensure a seamless academic calendar going forward.
This resolution marks the beginning of a new chapter for Moi University, with key players expressing a shared determination to rebuild its image and secure its position as a leading institution of higher learning in Kenya. As operations resume, the focus shifts to delivering quality education, managing resources effectively, and fostering a harmonious working and learning environment.
With the strike resolved, the university community now faces the challenge of navigating the recovery process. The collaborative spirit exhibited during the negotiations offers hope that Moi University can overcome its challenges and emerge stronger in the months ahead.
