The Universities’ Academic Staff Union (UASU) Moi University Chapter has accused the university management and council of failing to honour agreements aimed at resolving salary arrears, pension remittances, and statutory deductions owed to staff under the 2017–2021 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

In a strongly worded press statement released on May 28, 2026, the union said staff members at Moi University continue to suffer financial hardship despite commitments made following prolonged industrial action in 2024 and 2025.

The statement, signed by UASU Moi University Chapter Secretary Prof. Robert Oduori, said a Return-to-Work Formula had been signed by key stakeholders, including the Principal Secretary for Higher Education, the university council chairperson, the Vice Chancellor, the UASU National Secretary General, and chapter officials.

According to the union, the agreement was legally binding and contained both financial and non-financial provisions intended to restore normal operations at the institution and address long-standing staff grievances.

UASU stated that one of the key commitments under the agreement was the release of KSh500 million by the end of January 2025 to settle outstanding obligations. The funds were meant to clear bank loans, pension remittances, union dues, welfare deductions, insurance premiums, benevolent fund contributions, and other third-party deductions affecting university employees.

However, the union claims that more than a year later, the issues remain unresolved, leaving many academic staff members exposed to severe financial and emotional distress.

The statement revealed that several university employees have already retired without accessing their pensions, while others continue to face pressure from financial institutions over unpaid loans. UASU warned that some staff members risk losing their properties as banks intensify recovery efforts linked to unremitted deductions.

“The pension scheme remains in a precarious state,” the statement said, adding that retirees are increasingly vulnerable due to uncertainty surrounding pension remittances and possible intervention by the Retirement Benefits Authority (RBA).

The union further accused the Acting University Management and Council of failing to provide transparency and accountability regarding the KSh500 million allocation, despite repeated demands from staff and union officials.

UASU also raised concerns over delays in implementing another financial commitment contained in the Return-to-Work Formula for the 2025/2026 financial year. According to the union, the agreement provided for the release of KSh1.25 billion to settle salary arrears arising from the 2017–2021 CBA.

The union argued that despite positive engagements between the university management and the council, there has been no clear indication that the salary arrears will be paid.

“Moi University Acting Management appears unwilling to offset its long overdue payments despite supplementary budgetary allocations amounting to KSh6 billion to the university,” part of the statement read.

UASU additionally questioned the continued occupation of acting positions by two substantive managers, saying the situation raises concerns about governance, constitutionalism, and adherence to public service procedures within the institution.

The union challenged the Cabinet Secretary for Education to explain why substantive university managers are serving in acting capacities while allegedly receiving full salaries and benefits attached to those offices.

As part of its demands, UASU called for full transparency and accountability regarding the KSh6.2 billion reportedly allocated to Moi University in the Supplementary Budget of February 2026.

The union also demanded:

• Immediate payment of the KSh1.25 billion salary arrears under the 2017–2021 CBA;

• Immediate release of the KSh500 million meant for pension, welfare, benevolent fund, and related statutory deductions; and

• Urgent intervention to stabilize the university’s pension scheme and protect retired staff members.

UASU warned that academic staff may be forced to resume suspended industrial action if the issues raised are not addressed promptly.

The latest standoff adds to the growing financial and administrative challenges facing Moi University, which has in recent years struggled with debt, staff unrest, delayed salaries, and governance disputes.