By F, KNA
The Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) Moi University Chapter has officially joined the nationwide lecturers’ strike, citing unpaid salary arrears, stalled Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) and lack of medical cover for staff.
Speaking to the media during the launch of the strike in Eldoret, Moi University Chapter Secretary Dr. Busolo Wekesa said the industrial action was necessary to compel the government and university management to honor agreements signed with lecturers.
He noted that only the first tranche of the 2021–2025 CBA had been paid, while arrears under the 2017–2021 CBA remain unsettled.
“This is not new money; it was promised and is long overdue. Some universities have settled, but Moi University has not paid a single shilling. Payment must be made now,” Dr. Wekesa stressed.
Dr. Wekesa also raised alarm over the university’s failure to provide medical cover for staff for the past four months, saying the neglect had cost lives.
The union further accused Moi University of diverting funds meant for staff arrears, despite government disbursements. Dr. Wekesa dismissed claims that Sh2.5 billion had been released to settle lecturers’ dues as “hot air,” insisting payment will only be believed once it reflects in staff accounts.
He also warned of the dangers of neglecting education, likening it to destroying society itself.
“Education is a public good, like health and security. It cannot be left to students’ fees or empty promises. The government must invest in it,” he said, adding that growing discontent among young people, exemplified by the Gen Z movement, was a sign of looming upheavals if rights continued to be ignored.
UASU trustee Dr. Jane Michael echoed the concerns, saying the strike was inevitable after the government failed to act within the seven-day notice period.
“The government only listens to strikes. Once it kicks off, we no longer entertain promissory notes,” she stated.
She added that negotiations without counter-offers or clear proposals were meaningless, reiterating their demand for Sh2.7 billion, Sh8.8 billion arrears from the 2017–2021 CBA and a counter-offer for the 2025–2029 CBA.
On his part, Chapter Chair Dr. Okero Richard faulted the government for underfunding higher education despite admitting over 150,000 students annually.
“We are talking of more than 500,000 students in public universities, yet lecturer salaries are not properly budgeted for. Without serious investment, the education system will collapse under corruption and misplaced priorities,” he warned.
The nationwide strike comes barely a week after Moi University lecturers ended a three-week boycott following crisis talks with management, saying they had returned to class in good faith expecting solutions, but little progress has been made since.
