President Ruto Vows to Form Task Force to Rescue Moi University
Moi University has faced a series of strikes, fueled by unresolved debts and delayed payments

Plans are underway to establish a task force to address the financial and leadership challenges facing Moi University, President William Ruto announced on Friday. The move is part of efforts to rescue the struggling institution and ensure its sustainability.
Speaking during the opening of the Ksh.70 million Ngeria Technical Training Institute in Kapseret, Uasin Gishu County, the President called on Moi University staff to exercise patience as the government formulates a comprehensive revival strategy.
“I will form a task force to rescue Moi University from its problems, including addressing leadership issues and ensuring it has sufficient funding to stay afloat,” President Ruto assured.
The task force will identify the root causes of the university’s challenges and propose solutions, including potential leadership changes. The President reiterated the government’s commitment to reviving the institution, which has been plagued by financial instability and industrial action by both teaching and non-teaching staff.
Fresh Strike Looms Over Unfulfilled Promises
President Ruto’s remarks came amid renewed threats of industrial action by Moi University staff, less than a month after they signed a return-to-work agreement with the Inter-Public Universities Councils Consultative Forum.
In a joint statement last week, the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) and the Kenya University Staff Union (KUSU) Moi University chapters directed their members to withdraw services indefinitely.
“Following a meeting of all staff, it has been decided that the industrial action commenced in August 2024 be resumed with immediate effect. This regrettable action is due to the employer’s failure to adhere to the Return-to-Work Formula,” read part of the unions’ statement.
UASU chapter secretary Nyabuta Ojuki revealed that staff had not been paid salaries for two months, compounding the university’s financial woes. “All other public universities have implemented the national CBA and paid salaries after receiving funds from the Treasury, but at Moi University, nothing has changed,” said Ojuki.
The Return-to-Work Formula included the government’s pledge to implement the 2021–2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), valued at Ksh.9.7 billion, in three tranches. The first tranche of Ksh.4.3 billion was to cover nine months up to June 2025, with the remaining Ksh.5.4 billion split into two instalments.
Mounting Debts and Leadership Crisis
Moi University has faced a series of strikes, fueled by unresolved debts and delayed payments. The institution reportedly owes staff Ksh.4.2 billion in unremitted pensions, Ksh.1.2 billion in bank loans, Ksh.1.2 billion in salary arrears, and additional millions in union fees, welfare contributions, and insurance premiums.
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Isaac Kosgey recently announced strategic measures to address these issues, with staff welfare cited as a priority. However, staff unions remain skeptical, citing long-standing delays and unfulfilled promises.
Leaders Urge Swift Intervention
During the President’s tour of the North Rift region, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot, both Moi University alumni, called for urgent intervention.
“Your Excellency, I am pleading with you—do not let Moi University collapse under your watch. Channel sufficient funds, eliminate corruption, and bring in competent leadership to save this institution,” said Cheruiyot