Moi University vice chancellor Kiplagat Kotut has invited the University's Academic Staff Union for talks to resolve issues it has raised in the strike notice.
The university management, led by the VC, will meet the union officials on Friday in Nairobi, even as UASU vowed to go ahead with the strike starting today.
The meeting had been scheduled to take place yesterday but was postponed by the VC’s office to Friday.
“Due to an upcoming engagement requiring attendance of university senior officials, the VC is requesting that the meeting be held on Friday,” a communication from the VCs office to UASU said.
UASU chapter organising secretary Nyabuta Ojuki has invited all dons to the launch of the strike, saying none of them can relax as their rights are violated.
“They have asked that we meet on Friday but we will proceed to launch the strike as planned. Any negotiations will take place in the framework of the strike,” he said.
This came as the university management assured students, parents, guardians and other stakeholders of uninterrupted services despite the strike notice issued by UASU on August 12.
Earlier, the VC had said the university remains committed to ensuring the smooth progression of academic programmes and the delivery of quality education.
He acknowledged the concerns raised by UASU and confirmed the university council and management are actively in engagements to address the issues raised.
"The university recognises and respects the concerns raised by UASU. The university council and management are actively engaging with UASU leadership, the Ministry of Education and other relevant stakeholders to address the issues through constructive dialogue," the vice chancellor said.
He emphasised the need for amicable solutions that protect the welfare of staff while safeguarding learning and research activities from disruption.
"Moi University emphasises that all teaching, examinations, research and other academic programmes are continuing as scheduled. This includes ongoing preparations for the reporting of first-year students on Thursday [tomorrow], which will proceed as planned,” the statement read.
The university has urged students to remain focused on their studies, assuring parents and guardians that their children’s academic journey remains the institution’s highest priority.
The institution also reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism, transparency and accountability in all its operations.
Kiplagat expressed optimism that discussions with UASU would lead to a beneficial resolution, while also thanking stakeholders for their continued support and confidence in the university.
The institution pledged to keep the university community informed of any significant developments as negotiations progress.
UASU issued a seven-day strike notice for lecturers at Moi University over delayed salaries.
The union said its members are demanding that the university pay its members the delayed June and July salaries at the negotiated 2021-25 Collective Bargaining Agreement rates.
UASU is also demanding the implementation of the return-to-work formula signed between the union and the Moi University Council on November 30, 2024.
“The university should also honour the clauses on review and promotion of staff and retirement age in the negotiated 2021-25 National Collective Bargaining Agreement,” they said in a notice.
