Moi University closed indefinitely

By Peter Ochieng

Moi University has been closed indefinitely.

According to a statement from the institution of higher learning, the University Senate decided to suspend learning so as to counter industrial action by staff and subsequent student unrest.

“The University Senate in a special meeting held today Thursday 3rd October 2024 resolved to suspend the teaching and learning activities of the 1st Semester 2024/2025 Academic Year as a consequence of the industrial action of staff and subsequent student unease.”

“This is, therefore, to announce the closure of the University with immediate effect,” the statement reads.

Learning operations, the University said, are expected to resume soon. “The University Council and management are working to ensure that University operations resume as soon as possible.The re-opening dates will be communicated in due course.”

On Wednesday, Moi University lecturers and workers staged demonstrations in Eldoret City, demanding payment of delayed salaries and the implementation of Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

This is despite the University Academic Staff Union (UASU) and Kenya Universities Staff Union (KUSU) officials calling off their strike last week.

Nyabuta Ojuki, UASU Moi University branch Deputy Secretary stated that none of their demands had been met, despite the unions signing a return-to-work formula with Vice-chancellors.

He added that the University pension scheme had collapsed due to the non-remittance of over Sh5.5 billion deducted from employees’ salaries by the university management. On the other hand, students at the University claimed that the hostels were dirty.

The institution had also issued a notice on the shortage of condoms. The administration advised students to abstain from sexual activity or purchase protection from commercial outlets.

Slightly over a week ago, Karatina University which is located in Nyeri County was closed indefinitely after students staged protests, disrupting learning activities.

Students demonstrated over alleged exploitative matatu fares and high rent charges by owners of private hostels.