Moi University Lecturers Vow to Continue Strike as Nationwide University Shutdown Hits Day 37

Photo/Achieng Kemuma

The nationwide strike by university staff has entered its 37th day, with lecturers at Moi University vowing to continue their industrial action until all their demands are met in full. The strike, organized under the University Academic Staff Union (UASU) and the Kenya Universities Staff Union (KUSU), has paralyzed learning in public universities across the country.

Speaking to the press at Moi University, Dr. Wekesa Busolo, UASU chapter chairperson, Mark Chepkwemoi, KUSU secretary, and Richard Okero, a union representative, confirmed that academic activities at the institution have completely stalled.

“As we speak, Moi University is a ghost university. There are no students, and there are no classes,” said Dr. Busolo, adding that most students have since returned home after exhausting their resources while waiting for the strike to end.

The union leaders outlined three key demands driving the industrial action.

1. Payment of arrears from the second tranche of the 2021–2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which remain outstanding.

2. Full settlement of dues under the 2017–2021 CBA, which have been pending for more than eight years despite a court order enforcing payment.

3. Urgent negotiation and signing of the 2025–2029 CBA to prevent recurring disputes and legal challenges.

Dr. Busolo accused the government of defying court rulings and ignoring legal obligations. He cited a 2021 court judgment affirming the legality of the 2017–2021 CBA and directing its implementation.

“The Attorney General himself admitted that the document is legal and enforceable, but up to now, the funds have not been released,” he said.

The unions also questioned discrepancies in figures released by the Ministry of Education regarding the total amount owed to university staff. While the ministry initially claimed universities were owed KSh 624 million, a joint audit by unions and university councils placed the figure at KSh 8.1 billion.

“How can the figures change from 624 million to 8 billion in a week?” asked Chepkwemoi. “These are funds that belong rightfully to workers, and the public deserves to know the truth.”

Union official Richard Okero lamented the worsening financial situation of university staff, saying many lecturers retire into poverty despite decades of service.

“We worked for this nation diligently, yet some of our colleagues retire and pass away poor. It is disappointing,” he said.

The union leaders also criticized some vice chancellors and deputy vice chancellors, accusing them of abandoning their colleagues’ plight after assuming administrative positions. They urged them to stand in solidarity with academic and non-teaching staff instead of suppressing their demands.

Dr. Busolo warned that the prolonged standoff could have far-reaching consequences for Kenya’s higher education sector if the government fails to intervene.

“If the government is concerned about education, it should not have allowed this strike to continue for 37 days,” he said.

The lecturers reaffirmed their commitment to remain on strike until their grievances are addressed.

“We are not asking for charity; we are asking for what is rightfully ours,” declared Chepkwemoi. “The moment this issue is settled, we will gladly return to class. But for now, the strike continues.”