Moi University lecturers issue strike notice over unpaid salaries

Moi University students may once again find their academic calendar disrupted as lecturers have issued a seven-day strike notice over unpaid February salaries.

The looming strike threatens to derail studies just before examinations, raising concerns among students and parents alike.

The Universities Academic Staff Union (Uasu) has blamed the university's management for failing to honor the return-to-work formula signed in December.

That agreement was reached after a three-month workers' strike that had already caused major disruptions.

"All Uasu members at Moi University shall withdraw their labour and shall not resume duty until the February 2025 salary is paid in full," said Uasu Secretary-General Constantine Wasonga.

In the December deal, the union secured Sh2.6 billion in cash and assets, along with the immediate release of Sh500 million.

Additionally, Sh7.7 billion was allocated under the 2021-2027 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), set to be implemented in two phases: Sh4.3 billion in the 2025-2026 financial year and Sh5.2 billion in 2027-2028.

Despite receiving additional funds from the National Treasury and undertaking staff layoffs, Moi University continues to struggle with salary payments.

Last month, the Treasury allocated an extra Sh1.8 billion to the institution to help cover salaries and other recurrent expenses.

Acknowledging the financial strain, acting vice-chancellor Kiplagat Kotut said in an internal memo, "We are all aware of the financial challenges facing the university that have led to a delay in payment of the February 2025 salary. Efforts are being made by the university management and council to resolve the issues responsible for the delay."

With the lecturers standing firm on their demands, the university now faces the challenge of resolving the payment delays before the strike deadline or risk another round of academic disruptions that could set students back even further.