Moi University is in limbo after its staff staged fresh protests on Friday, November 8, hours after its Vice Chancellor had confirmed its official reopening date.
In a video seen by Kenyans.co.ke, the university staff comprising of the University Academic Staff Union (UASU), Kenya University Staff Union (KUSU), and Kenya Union of Domestic Hotels Educational Institutions Hospitals and Allied Workers (KUDHEIHA), were seen staging demonstrations while demanding the installation of the new University Council.
According to the staff, they want the money that the government promised to go into the correct hands that will ensure that it is properly used.
“A large institution like this cannot go down because of the selfishness of individuals. As of November 8, we are expecting a new council,” one of the workers stated.
Moi University Staff stage demonstrations, November 8, 2024
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Screengrab
Tinderet MP Julius Melly who also serves as the National Assembly Education Committee chairman, was among the education stakeholders present during the strike, and reiterated the concerns of the staff, promising them changes.
Melly promised the staff that the current management team under Professor Isaac Sanga Kosgey would be disbanded so as to save the university from collapse.
Melly had visited the university to assess it and resolve the ongoing standoff between management and workers over pay, which has paralyzed learning for over a month.
After assessing the school, the Education Committee chairman expressed his concern about the overall condition of the University, noting that the situation in the lecture halls and the school’s infrastructure was wanting.
“Together with my committee members, we have walked around the university right away from the farm, and lecture halls among other structures. The entire situation is chaotic,” stated Melly.
The workers also accused the university management of failing to table meaningful proposals on how to settle the huge debts owed to their members.
The workers have revealed that the university owes them over Ksh10 billion in salary and statutory deduction arrears.
The situation has left the students in limbo over when they will resume studies after the workers vowed not to resume duty until their dues are paid. They rejected a proposal by the university to settle the arrears in three phases.
The payment proposal had been presented to the National Assembly committee in Nairobi after the committee summoned the university leadership to grill them over its situation.
This strike comes after the University management announced Monday, November 11, as the official reopening date after students were forced to vacate the University following the strike that lasted for weeks.
Tinderet Member of Parliament Julius Melly during a past session in parliament.
National Assembly
