Moi University Lecturers Halt Academic Activities Over Salary Delays and Mismanagement Allegations

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Earlier, there was a confrontation at the Town Campus, where the lecturers had gathered for a ‘Kamkunji’ meeting. Security guards at the gate attempted to eject them, citing “orders from above.”

By Jessica Nyaboke

Academic activities have been brought to a standstill at all Moi University campuses after more than 900 academic staff members affiliated with the University Academic Staff Union (UASU) withdrew their services. The protesting staff have vowed not to resume work until their demands—chiefly concerning frequent salary delays and an unsatisfactory working environment—are adequately addressed.

Led by UASU Moi University Chapter Chairman, Richard Okero, the academic staff accused Vice Chancellor Professor Isaac Kosgey of undermining efforts to resolve the challenges they face, as well as those affecting non-teaching staff at the university. “The Vice Chancellor has consistently evaded our attempts to meet and discuss the issues disrupting the smooth running of the institution,” Okero stated. He added, “We have not received our salaries for two months, yet the university management expects us to be in lecture halls teaching students. That will not happen. We have decided to halt all academic activities until our concerns are addressed.”

The lecturers have also resolved to halt the supervision and marking of examinations, declaring that no amount of intimidation from the institution’s top management will deter them from demanding their rights. “We are standing firm. We will not be silenced by threats,” Okero asserted.

Earlier, there was a confrontation at the Town Campus, where the lecturers had gathered for a ‘Kamkunji’ meeting. Security guards at the gate attempted to eject them, citing “orders from above.” This led to an altercation between the union leaders, led by UASU Chapter Secretary Richard Okero, and the guards, as other academic staff watched from a distance. One of the male guards stated that he had been instructed to prevent the striking lecturers from entering the Town Campus to allow for the registration of first-year students. “We are under firm instruction from Vice Chancellor Professor Isaac Kosgey not to allow you to hold any meetings or demonstrations on the campus grounds for security reasons,” the guard said.

However, the lecturers, led by Okero, dismissed the guard’s orders, asserting their right to hold meetings on campus as academic staff of a public institution. “I have informed the VC about our planned meeting and picketing in the Town Campus compound. So, stay out of our venue and focus on your security duties,” Okero retorted.

The academic staff, joined by some members from the University of Eldoret, proceeded to hold their ‘Kamkunji’ meeting at the Eldoret Town Campus, where they announced the beginning of a week-long industrial action. The lecturers criticized the new funding model at the university, calling it unworkable, and appealed to President William Ruto to intervene to prevent the institution from collapsing.

The lecturers further demanded an urgent overhaul of the entire Moi University council and management by the Ministry of Education, citing mismanagement of resources amounting to billions of shillings. “The university is on the brink of financial ruin due to poor management. There is an urgent need for a comprehensive review of the institution’s leadership,” Okero concluded.

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