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.
“We are not going on strike because we enjoy it or want a salary increase. Salaries are already determined. We are striking because this is the last option left to us,” said Wekesa.
He noted that earlier this year, the union engaged in a conciliation process through the Ministry of Labour, but talks collapsed after the employer allegedly failed to cooperate. The union later issued a seven-day strike notice, which expired without any meaningful response from the University Council.
Among the grievances raised are delayed and incomplete salaries, the alleged diversion of a Sh500 million bailout fund, lack of staff promotions for more than seven years, pension arrears of over Sh4.6 billion, and the suspension of medical cover that has left lecturers paying out-of-pocket despite deductions.
UASU Moi University Chapter Vice Chairperson Linda Khaemba accused management of ignoring the union unless forced by industrial action, saying the move has eroded staff morale.
“Management attempted an unlawful redundancy exercise last year, which the union stopped in court. Yet they still refused to restore our members’ financial dignity, even instructing banks not to loan our staff,” she said.
Khaemba added that the situation has made it increasingly difficult for lecturers to mentor students while struggling with unpaid salaries, lack of healthcare and uncertainty about retirement benefits.
The union insists it is not demanding new benefits but only the fulfilment of agreements already signed.
“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 comes barely a week after UASU issued a seven-day strike notice over delayed salaries and other unmet agreements.
In a statement dated August 12, UASU Secretary General Constatine Opiyo directed all members at Moi University to withdraw their labour until the return-to-work formula is fully implemented.
By Fredrick Maritim and Ekuwam Sylvester
