No return to work for Moi University dons as management yet to commit to settling Ksh.8.6B debt

While dons from all universities downed tools due to reasons including non-implementation of the 2021–2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), those from Moi University are also seeking payment of Ksh.8.6 billion owed to them.

The lecturers downed their tools on August 26, 2024, over the debt that is inclusive of unremitted loans, pensions, union fees and other deductions. 

Speaking to Citizen Digital on Sunday, Ms Linda Khaemba, the UASU Vice Chair, Moi University chapter said the university management is yet to commit to paying the money owed to lecturers.

“It is hard to say we are going back to work before the employer commits to paying the amount,” she said.

Instead, Linda said, the management has been sending warning letters to staff participating in the strike.

“Anybody hired within the last 7 years has no pension. For those who have served longer, nearly 30% of their pension has not been remitted.”

Among the non-remitted dues is the group life cover, which is meant to support families of staff who die before their retirement age.

Linda revealed that over 70 staff from Moi University have died in service and the management has not given the funds to respective families.

“The management is refusing to commit to when this money will be paid,” Linda, a lecturer in Moi University School of Law added.

The dons who are in a cash crunch face penalties from banks due to unsettled loans, with debt collectors also hunting them.

In addition to the dues, the lecturers also want governance and management issues within the University to be addressed. This includes their non-representation in the top policy-making body of the institution and the election of deans.

Ksh.9.7 billion deal for UASU  

UASU on Saturday announced an end to the nationwide strike after entering a return-to-work agreement with the Inter-Public Universities Councils Consultative Forum (IPUCCF).

The deal includes the government's commitment to fully implement the 2021–2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which is valued at Ksh.9.7 billion.

The implementation will occur in three tranches, with the first tranche of Ksh.4.3 billion covering nine months up to June 2025. The remaining Ksh.5.4 billion will be disbursed in two instalments of Ksh 2.7 billion each.