Moi University Lecturers Begin Strike Over Unfulfilled 2024 CBA
“It is unfortunate that the VC and the university council are taking no interest in addressing employees’ grievances.
UASU Moi University Chapter Secretary Dr. Busolo Wekesa addresses journalists during a press briefing at the university grounds, where lecturers announced the start of their strike over the unfulfilled 2024 CBA
By Jessica Nyaboke
Lecturers at Moi University have downed their tools after the institution’s management allegedly failed to honor a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) signed in November 2024.
Union officials under the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU), Moi University Chapter, declared the strike on Tuesday, warning that all academic programs would grind to a halt until the agreement is fully implemented.
Speaking to the press at the university grounds, Dr. Busolo Wekesa, UASU Moi Chapter Secretary, and Richard Ochuki, Chapter Chairperson, accused the university council of failing to prioritize staff welfare despite repeated engagements.
“We shall completely paralyze all the learning programmes unless the university management and council yield to our demands, which they have been postponing for too long,” Dr. Wekesa said.
The union claims that the university has been deducting staff contributions for banks, saccos, insurance, and pensions but has failed to remit the funds. This has left many lecturers in financial distress, some blacklisted by credit reference bureaus.
“We have engaged the Vice Chancellor several times, but the response has not been positive. Strike is now the only language the government seems to understand,” Wekesa added, insisting that lecturers’ rights must be respected.
Mr. Ojukwi echoed the sentiments, saying the union will not be cowed by threats or intimidation.
“It is unfortunate that the VC and the university council are taking no interest in addressing employees’ grievances. For that matter, we have resolved to start daily picketing as we await a final directive from our national union officials,” he stated.
Moi University, one of Kenya’s largest public universities, has in recent years been plagued by severe financial challenges. In 2022, the institution was listed among cash-strapped public universities struggling to pay salaries and remit statutory deductions, according to a report by the Daily Nation. The Auditor-General has repeatedly flagged Moi University for billions in pending bills, including unremitted pension and staff contributions.
In July 2023, Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu acknowledged that Moi University, alongside several other public universities, was on the brink of insolvency due to mounting debts and mismanagement. Treasury had promised bailouts to stabilize operations, but union officials now allege the funds have not been used as agreed.
UASU, which has previously staged prolonged strikes over salary arrears and CBAs, insists that Moi University must honor its November 2024 return-to-work formula to restore industrial harmony.
As the strike takes effect, over 50,000 students face disruptions to learning, examinations, and research programs. This latest standoff adds to growing concerns over the sustainability of Kenya’s public universities.
About Author
