Moi University Lecturers Strike: Over 900 Staff Demand Vice Chancellor’s Ouster and Immediate Salary Payments

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According to Wesonga, the university owes its staff nearly 4.1 billion shillings in unremitted funds to various institutions, including unpaid bank loans and statutory deductions

UASU members take to the streets in Eldoret, demanding the resignation of Moi University's Vice Chancellor and the immediate release of overdue salaries, as frustrations over unfulfilled promises and financial mismanagement boil over/Pic James Gitaka

Over 900 members of the Moi University Academic Staff Union (UASU) have taken to the streets of Eldoret to demand the immediate removal of Moi University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Isaac Kosgey, from office. The protest, which has drawn significant attention, is being led by UASU Secretary General Constantine Wesonga and National Chairperson Grace Nyongesa. The lecturers are calling for urgent action, citing several grievances, including the delayed release of their salaries.

According to Wesonga, the university owes its staff nearly 4.1 billion shillings in unremitted funds to various institutions, including unpaid bank loans and statutory deductions. “We have been patient for far too long. The administration has failed to honor its obligations, and now we demand the immediate release of our salaries,” Wesonga stated. He further explained that the university’s failure to remit these funds has placed a significant financial burden on the lecturers, many of whom are struggling to meet their personal financial commitments due to the non-remittance of their dues.

The union has also strongly criticized Vice Chancellor Kosgey for what they describe as issuing “empty promises” and failing to address the critical financial issues affecting the staff. “The Vice Chancellor has repeatedly assured us that the funds would be disbursed, but these have turned out to be empty promises. We will not return to our lectures until every cent owed to us is paid,” Wesonga added. The union emphasized that the strike would continue until their demands are met in full, highlighting that the lecturers have lost trust in the current administration’s ability to manage the institution’s affairs.

UASU Secretary General Constantine Wesonga leads the charge, demanding immediate payment of delayed salaries and accusing Moi University of owing staff nearly 4.1 billion shillings. ‘We will not return to our lectures until every cent owed to us is paid,’ Wesonga declares

Furthermore, the union condemned the alleged misuse of millions of shillings by the university on projects they believe have no tangible benefit. “The university has squandered money on unnecessary projects like the Apple and Dogs initiative, which have not contributed to the university’s growth or reputation,” a union representative noted. They argue that these projects are examples of poor financial planning and a lack of accountability by the university’s leadership.

Grace Nyongesa, UASU’s National Chairperson, has called on all lecturers to down their tools and join the strike, stating, “This is the only language the government seems to understand.” She pointed out that the government has previously released over 13 billion shillings following a teachers’ strike, suggesting that continued industrial action might be the only way to compel the government to release the necessary funds. “If we don’t stand up now, the same issues will persist, and we will continue to suffer,” she asserted.

The striking lecturers have also vowed to paralyze all learning activities at Moi University campuses until their demands are fully addressed. Among their demands is the removal of Vice Chancellor Kosgey, whom they accuse of poor leadership and the mismanagement of public resources. “The mismanagement we are witnessing is unacceptable. We call upon the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to institute investigations into the university’s financial dealings,” Nyongesa added.

The lecturers emphasized that their strike is not just about delayed salaries but also about the overall governance of the university. They accuse the current leadership of lacking transparency and failing to prioritize the welfare of its staff and students. The union has indicated that they are prepared for a prolonged standoff if necessary, stating that they are ready to fight for their rights and the future of Moi University.

UASU National Chairperson Grace Nyongesa calls on all lecturers to join the strike, declaring, ‘Striking is the only language the government seems to understand. We must stand united for our rights and demand the release of our funds and accountability from university leadership

In a move to escalate the pressure, the lecturers have called on the university’s stakeholders, including the Ministry of Education and the university’s council, to intervene and resolve the crisis. “This situation cannot continue unchecked. The government and the university council must step in to restore sanity and ensure that the institution returns to its core mandate of providing quality education,” Wesonga urged.

As the strike enters its second week, the academic future of thousands of students hangs in the balance. Many fear that the impasse could disrupt the academic calendar, leading to significant delays in the completion of studies. Students have expressed their frustration, calling on the university and the union to find an amicable solution to the ongoing crisis.

The lecturers, however, remain resolute in their stance, maintaining that their fight is a just cause aimed at ensuring better governance and accountability at Moi University. “We will not be intimidated or coerced into resuming work without our rightful dues. Our demands are clear, and we will not settle for anything less,” Nyongesa concluded.

The situation at Moi University remains tense, with no immediate end in sight to the standoff. As the union and the university administration continue to lock horns, the call for accountability and transparency grows louder, with many hoping that a resolution can be reached soon to avert further disruption to the academic programs.

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