Moi University gives direction on resumption of studies

By Peter Ochieng

Moi University management has flagged a memo doing rounds online, announcing resumption of studies.

The institution was closed indefinitely on October 03, 2024, in the backdrop of student unrest due to industrial action by the university’s staff and lecturers.

“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,” read a notice from the institution.

The university senate said reopening dates would be communicated later. However, on Friday, a memo started doing rounds on social media announcing that the university would open its doors for students on Monday, October 14, 2024.

It alleged that the Senate held a special meeting on Friday, October 11, where it was resolved that teaching and learning for the 1st Semester of the 2024/2025 Academic Year resumes on Monday.

“This is, therefore, to announce the reopening of the University on Monday, October 14, 2024,” stated part of the memo.

The university has since flagged it as fake. The directive to close the university followed a week-long strike by staff over poor working conditions.

Lecturers and non-teaching staff staged demonstrations in Eldoret City, demanding payment of delayed salaries and implementation of a Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA).

The workers also accused Moi University management of exploiting them through third-party deductions from workers’ pay slips, which they said did not reflect in their overall balances.

Moi University students have since appealed to President William Ruto to save it from what they termed as imminent collapse.

“We are asking the President not to watch as Moi University collapses,” said Moi University Student Union (MUSO) Secretary General Cornelius Kipkoech in a letter addressed to the Head of State.

“Let the President rise up,” he added.