Nairobi: Lecturers at Moi University have downed their tools, accusing the institution's management of failing to honour a return-to-work agreement signed last year. Speaking to the media on Wednesday, University Academic Staff Union (UASU) Moi University Chapter Secretary Busolo Wekesa said the strike follows months of frustration after management ignored a 25-clause return-to-work formula agreed upon on November 30, 2024.
According to Kenya News Agency, Wekesa emphasized that the strike is not about salary increments, as these are already predetermined, but rather a last-resort action due to unmet commitments. Earlier this year, the union engaged in a conciliation process through the Ministry of Labour, but talks fell apart after the employer allegedly failed to cooperate. Subsequently, the union issued a seven-day strike notice, which expired without any meaningful response from the University Council.
The grievances include delayed and incomplete salaries, alleged diversion of a Sh500 million bailout fund, lack of staff promotions for over seven years, pension arrears exceeding Sh4.6 billion, and the suspension of medical cover, forcing lecturers to pay out-of-pocket despite deductions. UASU Moi University Chapter Vice Chairperson Linda Khaemba criticized management for ignoring the union unless compelled by industrial action, noting that this attitude has eroded staff morale.
Khaemba highlighted an unlawful redundancy attempt by management last year, which the union successfully challenged in court. Nevertheless, management allegedly instructed banks not to provide loans to staff, further undermining their financial stability. The situation has reportedly made it challenging for lecturers to mentor students while grappling with unpaid salaries, lack of healthcare, and retirement benefit uncertainties.
The union is firm in its stance, demanding the fulfilment of already signed agreements rather than new benefits. "As of today, Moi University academic staff are officially on strike. We will not report to our places of work, and we will not provide services until our grievances are addressed," the union declared.
The industrial action follows the expiration of a seven-day strike notice issued by UASU over delayed salaries and other unmet agreements. In a statement dated August 12, UASU Secretary General Constatine Opiyo instructed all members at Moi University to cease work until the return-to-work formula is fully implemented.