Moi University Crisis Deepens as Staff Are Slapped with Suspensions Immediately After Reopening

Moi University administration block

Moi University’s reopening has been marred by escalating tensions between its management and academic staff, as leaders of academic unions report widespread dismissals and suspensions. 

This latest move by the university’s administration has hindered efforts to resume academic activities and could potentially delay graduation ceremonies, union leaders warn.

Speaking to the media on Tuesday, November 12, Busolo Wegesa, the Chapter Secretary of the University Academic Staff Union (UASU) at Moi University, confirmed that dismissal letters have been served to the leadership of all academic staff unions, a move he described as an attempt to intimidate staff into returning to work without addressing their grievances.

“Moi University has started handing in dismissal letters,” Wegesa stated. “As of now, they have already handed the letter to the leadership of all the university staff unions. All the leaders have been given the notice.” 

Moi University main gate

According to Wegesa, the suspensions and dismissals will further delay the resumption of academic operations and reflect a disregard for prior calls by government officials to address staff concerns through dialogue.

A high-ranking Kenya University Staff Union (KUSU) official echoed Wegesa’s concerns, stating that the issuance of these letters has only strengthened employees’ resolve to demand action from the university. 

“We just want them to pay our loans and all the deductions they have taken from us. They should pay us, then we will come back to work,” she said. “They are giving suspension letters selectively, feeding us fear. We want to tell the management and the government that this has greatly fueled us to work more.”

University staff have been on strike for two months, demanding unpaid salaries and outstanding loan payments. 

Union representatives claim the administration’s latest tactics are aimed at forcing staff back to work without resolving these financial grievances. 

Moi University in Eldoret

Members of Parliament had recently directed Moi University’s management to meet with staff representatives to resolve the impasse, but union officials say these recommendations were ignored.

Wegesa disclosed that warning letters were handed to union leaders before the parliamentary committee left the campus on November 6, and these warnings soon escalated to suspension letters targeting union leaders.

The crisis has also cast doubt on the university’s upcoming graduation ceremony, with union leaders hinting at delays if their demands remain unmet. 

With no resolution in sight, the impasse threatens to prolong the academic disruption, affecting thousands of students and leaving the institution's future uncertain.

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