Striking Again: Moi University Lecturers Demand Ksh. 8.6 Billion Settlement
Moi University lecturers have resumed industrial action, citing unmet financial obligations, just weeks after suspending a previous strike.
In a joint statement released by the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) and Kenya University Staff Union (KUSU) on Friday, lecturers were instructed to withdraw their services indefinitely. The unions condemned the university for failing to honor the terms outlined in the Return to Work Formula signed last November.
“Following a meeting of all members of staff at Moi University, it has been decided that the industrial action initiated in August 2024 be resumed immediately,” the unions announced. “This regrettable decision stems from the employer’s failure to fulfill the agreements. All staff are advised to stay away from their workstations until further notice.”
Background of the Crisis
Moi University staff initially went on strike in August 2024, citing unpaid dues amounting to Ksh. 8.6 billion. The debt includes:
- Ksh. 4.2 billion in unremitted pension contributions.
- Ksh. 1.2 billion in unpaid bank loans.
- Ksh. 1.2 billion in salary arrears.
- Ksh. 85 million in union fees.
- Ksh. 70 million in benevolent funds.
- Ksh. 50 million in gratuity fees.
- Ksh. 90 million in life insurance coverage.
- Ksh. 1.6 billion in unpaid insurance premiums and other dues.
The lecturers had initially agreed to resume work on November 23, 2024, following assurances that the government would implement a Ksh. 9.7 billion Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) for 2021–2025. However, Moi University lecturers refused to return to lecture halls, demanding settlement of their unique Ksh. 8.6 billion grievances.
Stakeholders Call for Swift Action
The prolonged impasse continues to disrupt learning at Moi University, leaving students stranded. The unions are urging the university management and the government to prioritize resolving the financial crisis to restore normalcy
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Striking Again: Moi University Lecturers Demand Ksh. 8.6 Billion Settlement
