Striking Lecturers Paralyze Learning at Moi University.
Moi University faces a significant disruption as over 900 lecturers have gone on strike, halting academic activities across all campuses. The strike is driven by demands for unpaid salary arrears and the failure to remit Sh4.1 billion in third-party deductions.
Reasons Behind the Strike
The strike by the University Academic Staff Union (UASU) has brought learning at Moi University to a standstill. Lecturers are protesting over unresolved salary arrears and the non-remittance of over Sh4.1 billion in third-party deductions. Dr. Richard Okero, UASU chair for Moi University, criticized the university management for its insensitivity towards the lecturers’ grievances. He stated, “All 900 academic staff have downed their tools, and we will not resume teaching or learning until we receive our salary arrears and the third-party deductions are remitted.”
Dr. Okero also urged President William Ruto to intervene and facilitate a roundtable meeting with stakeholders to address the issues and prevent further damage to the institution. In addition, he pointed out the failure to implement the 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and delayed salaries as additional concerns.
Strike Impact and Union’s Position
The strike has led to a complete halt in academic activities at the university. According to UASU branch secretary Ojuki Nyabuta, the strike will persist until the university addresses their demands. Nyabuta highlighted that the decision to strike followed a consultative meeting with national officials, emphasizing the need for a Return to Work Formula (RTWF) to resolve the issues.
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Nyabuta condemned the university’s management for ignoring the union’s calls to resolve the grievances and warned against any attempts to intimidate striking lecturers. “Learning activities at the university are suspended until we negotiate and sign a return to work formula that addresses our issues, including delayed salaries and the implementation of the 2017 CBA,” Nyabuta stated.
Despite the union’s repeated efforts to address the matter with the university’s management, the management has largely ignored their concerns. The ongoing strike reflects the deepening frustration among academic staff and their demand for fair treatment and prompt resolution of their grievances.
University’s Response and Challenges
A recent meeting between the Moi University Council and UASU aimed to address the salary crisis but did not achieve the desired results. Dr. Humphrey Njoroge, Council chairman, acknowledged the need to consult with the union and address issues such as salary delays and the implementation of the 2017-2022 CBA. However, the meeting failed to produce a satisfactory resolution.
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The strike’s impact is compounded by additional challenges at the university, including inadequate facilities for new students. The Kenya Universities Staff Union (KUSU) has also sought President Ruto’s intervention, highlighting the severe financial difficulties faced by staff due to the university’s failure to remit deductions for loan repayments.
Key Takeaways
- Strike Impact: Over 900 lecturers’ strike has paralyzed learning at Moi University, demanding overdue salaries and the remittance of Sh4.1 billion in third-party deductions.
- Union’s Demands: The University Academic Staff Union is insisting on addressing salary delays and implementing the 2017 CBA.
- University’s Challenges: The university faces multiple issues, including inadequate facilities for new students and unresolved financial problems affecting staff.
- Government Intervention: Calls for intervention by President William Ruto reflect the urgency of resolving the crisis to prevent further disruption to the academic calendar and staff welfare.
As Moi University navigates these challenges, it is crucial for all parties to work towards a resolution that ensures the continuity of education and fair treatment for academic staff.
Striking Lecturers Paralyze Learning at Moi University.
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