Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) Moi University Chapter officials during the launch of the nationwide lecturers’ strike in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, September 17, 2025. /KNA
The Universities Academic Staff Union Moi University Chapter has officially joined the nationwide lecturers’ strike, citing unpaid salary arrears, stalled Collective Bargaining Agreements and lack of medical cover for staff.
Speaking in Eldoret during the launch of the strike, Chapter Secretary Dr Busolo Wekesa said industrial action was the only way to compel the government and university management to honour agreements signed with lecturers.
He noted that only the first tranche of the 2021–2025 CBA had been implemented, while arrears from the 2017–2021 agreement remain unsettled.
“This is not new money; it was promised and is long overdue. Some universities have paid, but Moi University has not released a single shilling. Payment must be made now,” Wekesa stressed.
He further raised alarm over the university’s failure to provide medical cover for staff in the past four months, warning that the neglect had already cost lives.
The union also accused Moi University of diverting funds meant for staff arrears, despite government disbursements.
Dr Wekesa dismissed claims that Sh2.5 billion had been released to settle lecturers’ dues as “hot air,” insisting payment would only be believed once it reflected in staff accounts.
He cautioned that continued neglect of education amounted to destroying society itself.
“Education is a public good, like health and security. It cannot be left to students’ fees or empty promises. The government must invest in it,” he said, adding that growing discontent among young people, exemplified by the Gen Z movement, signalled looming upheavals if rights continued to be ignored.
UASU trustee Dr Jane Michael echoed the concerns, saying the strike was inevitable after the government ignored a seven-day notice period.
“The government only listens to strikes. Once it begins, we no longer entertain promissory notes,” she stated.
She added that negotiations without counter-offers or clear proposals were meaningless, reiterating the union’s demands: Sh2.7 billion, Sh8.8 billion in arrears from the 2017–2021 CBA, and a counter-offer for the 2025–2029 CBA.
Chapter Chair Dr Okero Richard also faulted the government for underfunding higher education despite admitting over 150,000 students annually.
“We are talking of more than 500,000 students in public universities, yet lecturer salaries are not properly budgeted for. Without serious investment, the education system will collapse under corruption and misplaced priorities,” he warned.
The nationwide strike comes barely a week after Moi University lecturers ended a three-week boycott following crisis talks with management.
They said they had returned to class in good faith expecting solutions, but little progress has since been made.
