Moi University Suspends Union Leaders Amid Strike Over Unpaid Dues

• Nov 14, 2024

Moi University has suspended 12 officials from the University Academic Staff Union (UASU) for their role in a strike that has disrupted classes for nearly two months. The officials, including UASU branch secretary Ojuki Nyabuta, received suspension letters signed by Deputy Vice Chancellor for Administration, Professor Kirimi Kiriamiti, which bar them from entering campus and require them to return university property.

The strike, triggered by unpaid dues exceeding Sh11 billion, has intensified ongoing tensions between the university management and staff unions. The outstanding dues include Sh5 billion in pension contributions and Sh1.2 billion in unpaid bank loans, funds that university staff argue are essential for their financial stability.

Nyabuta, speaking on behalf of the suspended officials, confirmed that despite the university’s actions, the strike will continue until all outstanding salary-related dues are fully settled. "We will not be deterred by these suspensions," Nyabuta said, emphasizing the union’s resolve to stand firm in their demands. Unable to access their offices, union officials gathered outside the campus to strategize their next steps and reaffirmed their commitment to the strike.

Although Moi University reopened last week, students returned to find empty classrooms, as striking lecturers remain absent. While some non-teaching staff resumed work under the threat of disciplinary measures, academic activities remain paralyzed. Vice Chancellor Professor Isaac Kosgey announced that classes would resume on November 11, but UASU has rejected this directive, insisting that no return-to-work agreement has been signed and that their primary employer, the university council, has yet to negotiate with them directly.

"The management does not have the authority to negotiate our employment terms," said Nyabuta, emphasizing that the council, not the administration, is responsible for addressing their grievances. He added that until an official agreement is reached, lecturers would not return to classrooms.

The union's stance has led to broader implications, with around 1,000 lecturers receiving "show cause" letters demanding explanations for their absence. Union members, however, view these letters as an intimidation tactic to weaken their collective resolve.

The escalating dispute caught the attention of the Parliamentary Education Committee, chaired by Nandi Hills MP Julius Melly. Last week, the committee held a crisis meeting at Moi University, engaging with UASU, the Kenya Universities Staff Union (KUSU), and the university administration to explore potential solutions. During the discussions, union leaders and staff expressed their frustration and called for a change in the university’s leadership under Vice Chancellor Kosgey.

"We came to assess the situation and explore options to restore normalcy," said Melly. He indicated that if the university's financial issues remain unresolved, the committee may recommend a management overhaul. However, the committee’s call for a swift return-to-work agreement has yet to yield results, as union leaders argue that resolving the dispute requires a thorough, structured negotiation.

Nyabuta reaffirmed that resolving such extensive financial grievances cannot happen overnight. “This strike is part of a larger process that cannot be resolved with quick fixes,” he added.

As the strike enters its third month, students face growing uncertainty about when classes will resume and how the academic year might be affected. For now, union officials maintain their stance, signaling that they will not be returning to classrooms until their demands are met.