Crisis looms at Moi University as lecturers issue strike notice, again

Lecturers at Moi University have issued a seven-day strike notice over delayed salaries, setting the stage for a potential disruption of academic activities at the institution.

In a letter addressed to the Moi University Council, the Universities' Academic Staff Union (UASU) expressed discontent over the failure to pay lecturers their February 2025 salaries.

UASU Secretary General Dr. Constantine Wasonga accused the university of violating employment rights as outlined in the Employment Act of 2007 and failing to honor the Return-to-Work Formula agreement signed on November 30, 2024.

Dr. Wasonga declared that the union’s members will withdraw their labor and will not resume duty until the delayed salaries are paid in full.

According to the notice, the strike is set to commence on Friday, March 28, 2025, if the university fails to meet the demands within the stipulated period.

“You (university council) are categorically and unequivocally informed that all UASU members at Moi University shall withdraw their labor and shall not resume duty until the February 2025 salary is paid in full,” said Dr. Wasonga.

Moi University has recently been under a management crisis which has resulted in loss of funds and strikes, leading to frustration among students and parents.

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba in January inaugurated the new council for Moi University as he banks on the fresh team to restore the lost glory of the institution.

The CS said the government took the bold decision to fire the old council that had led to the poor management of Moi University.

Ogamba reiterated that the move will ensure order and normal learning in the university after long period of instability due to governance and leadership issues that had plunged the institution into despondency.

In a gazette notice on January 17, the Ministry of Education appointed Prof. Noah Midamba as the new Chairperson of the Moi University Council. 

Midamba will serve alongside Prof. Ronald Wasike, Dr. Mercy Nyambura Kanyara, Dr. Edward Sambili and Anne Weceke Makori.