Striking lecturers at Moi University in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, have turned down an offer from the university’s council, insisting it falls short of their demands. The lecturers, through the Universities’ Academic Staff Union (UASU) Eldoret branch, have vowed to continue with the ongoing industrial action until all their grievances are addressed.
Why Are Moi University Lecturers Rejecting the Offer?
According to UASU Eldoret branch secretary-general Busolo Wekesa, negotiations with the employer have been ongoing since last week, but members remain unsatisfied. “We have received the offers and are deliberating with the employer, but so far the staff have said that it is too little and they will not accept it unless they are offered something better,” Dr Wekesa explained. He noted that lecturers were still reviewing the proposals before charting the next course of action.
What Are the Union’s Main Demands?
UASU Moi University branch chairman Richard Kero highlighted the sacrifices made by staff to recover lost time after a previous strike, yet felt the university had let them down. “Some of our members are suffering due to the burden of loans that have seen them placed on the Credit Reference Bureau (CRB) listing, as many go home without a pension,” Kero said.
The union demands that salaries for June and July 2025 be paid in line with the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). In addition, they are pushing for full implementation of clauses on staff promotions, reviews, and retirement age as outlined in the National CBA.
What Is the University’s Current Situation?
Moi University has faced years of management challenges, including financial mismanagement that has triggered repeated strikes. The government dissolved the former council in January and appointed a new one in an attempt to stabilize the 41-year-old institution.
Despite this restructuring, lecturers went on strike on August 20 and have maintained they will not return to work until the return-to-work formula signed on November 30, 2024, is fully implemented.
By Lucky Anyanje