BY WINSTONE MUSISI
Moi university main campus in Kesses area, Uasin Gishu County has been ordered closed with immediate effect and the more than 5,000 students told to pack and go home following a three days industrial action by the lecturers and non teaching staff.
In a notice signed by the embattled University Vice chancellor Prof Isaac Kosgey, the students were directed to vacate the hostels and leave the university premises by 12 Noon on Thursday, 28th October 2021.
Read the notice in part:” At its special meeting held on Wednesday 27th October, 2021, Senate resolved to suspend teaching and learning activities at the main campus indefinitely due to the industrial action by the staff which has affected the university operations,”
The VC in the notice states that the university senate and management board recognize and appreciate the learner’s patience and mature conduct in the past three days.
Turned down a chance
“We wish to assure you of our commitment to restoring remedy in university operations as soon as possible to enable you to complete your studies in a timely fashion,” read the notice.
The closure comes after striking Moi University dons turned down pleas by the VC to call of the industrial action and give dialogue a chance to resolve the underlying issues that has bred bad blood between them and the management.
The lecturers took to the streets to protest delays in payment of their salaries and failure by the institution to implement the 2017-2021 Collective Bargain Agreement (CBA).
The Universities Academic Staff Union (Uasu), Kenya University Staff Union (Kusu), Kenya Union Of Domestic Hotels Educational Institutions Hospitals & Allied Workers (Kudheiha) claimed the management had ignored their grievances.
Drama ensued at the main campus in Kesses when the striking staff attempted to storm the administration building to seek an audience with Vice-Chancellor Isaac Kosgei, who they accused of neglecting them. Police repulsed them.
Blame institutions
Uasu Chairperson Richard Okero told journalists poor management and misappropriation of funds were to blame for the institution’s challenges. “We will only respond to the meeting calls if all the employees are invited,” said Dr Okero.
Uasu Organizing Secretary Nyabuta Ojuki claimed their grievances were simple issues the management had ignored.
“Our employer has oppressed us instead of giving us a conducive working environment. We demand full implementation of the CBA that the majority of other universities have already implemented,” said Mr Ojuki.
The lecturers claimed the university owed supervisors and external examiners, paralyzing post-graduate programmes.
They claimed the university lacked basic resources like felt pens and printing papers.