Moi University was on Thursday closed indefinitely over student unrest stemming from industrial action by the institution’s staff.
In a statement released on Thursday, the University, through the office of the Vice-chancellor, directed all students to leave the school premises with immediate effect.
“The University Senate in a Special Meeting held today Thursday 3rd October 2024 resolved to suspend the teaching and learning activities of the 1st Semester 2024/2025 Academic Year as a consequence of the industrial action of staff and subsequent student unease,” the statement read.
The suspension of learning activities and subsequent directive to exit the university leaves international students at the institution in a wave of uncertainty.
While students residing in the university hall of residence have been ordered to vacate immediately, international students have been directed to liaise with the Dean for further direction.
The administration block at Moi University in Eldoret
Photo
Moi University
Tensions have been high within the institution over the past week, as Moi University staff took industrial action in protest of poor working conditions.
The workers accused Moi University management of exploiting them through third-party deductions from workers’ payslips which did not reflect in their overall balances.
“Moi University deducts pension and loans which do not reflect in the banks,” one worker said. “We’ve been saying this for years and no action has been taken.”
Other grievances revolved around the government’s transition from NHIF to SHIF – a move that has already begun its rollout in major hospitals.
During one of the staff’s marches in Eldoret town on September 4, lecturers held banners which lamented on delayed payments and alleged payment of half salaries.
Industrial action from Moi University workers, which has lasted more than five weeks, underlined a weighty issue in the institution – the misuse of funds.
In September, the University’s vice chancellor Isaac Kosgei was at pains to explain why Ksh 30 million was spent on a gate.
Moi University Vice Chancellor Prof. Isaac Kosgey. PHOTO/ Moi University
