Moi University students have entered the second month without any learning activities taking place in the institution, sparking widespread frustration and concern. The university located in Uasin Gishu County’s Kesses area, has been grappling with significant financial strains for a while now. These challenges have led to an ongoing strike by lecturers under the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU), Moi University Chapter. To make matters worse, casual staff at the institution are also reportedly on a go-slow, demanding months of unpaid salaries.
Sources intimate to The City Digest News that the university is in a poor state. The campus cleanliness has deteriorated, and the eateries where students once flocked to enjoy affordable meals are now closed.
Students Express Concerns
Several Moi University students are now voicing their concerns over the ongoing strike. Among them is Mboto Harry Ivan, a Linguistics, Media, and Communication student. Harry, who was set to start his third academic year in September, is disappointed by the lack of progress.
“I expected to go for attachment by May next year and finish academics by early 2026 to start hustling for jobs. But it seems all that is going to change.” He says. “We just want to study and graduate. Let the administration do something,” he adds, echoing the frustration shared by many students.
Faith Maurice Ong’ow, a Bachelor’s of Engineering in Manufacturing and Industrial Engineering student, shares similar concerns. “This is the epitome of betrayal! Our academic progress is stalled, and many of us are now filled with anxiety about our future. The institution should prioritize students’ needs,” Faith says.
The situation has affected students from all levels. Laurine Henry, a second-year Community Development student, is particularly disillusioned. “There are no hopes from the administration. We are told to stay calm, but no feedback is given. If they knew they couldn’t pay the lecturers, they should have told us to remain at home,” she laments.
Delayed Graduation
Two cohorts of Moi University students are also anxiously waiting to graduate, having completed their course studies. One cohort reportedly finished as early as 2023, while another completed in April this year. However, due to the prolonged lecturers’ strike, they remain uncertain about when they will finally graduate and receive their certificates, a critical requirement for job applications. The graduation ceremony for the two cohorts was earlier scheduled for December this year, with the finalist students now expressing fears that the dates may be altered following the lecturers strike . Without their official documents, these graduates face challenges in seeking employment opportunities.
First-Year Students Left in Limbo
The crisis has hit first-year students the hardest. Having joined Moi University on August 26 2024, they have yet to experience any academic activities. One anonymous first-year Bachelor’s of Education student expressed her frustration to The City Digest News.
“I was told to choose other universities like Kibabii and Masinde Muliro, but I thought Moi was a big, prestigious institution. I wish I knew better. I regret choosing Moi University,” she cries.
“It’s the second month and I don’t know where my lecture halls are, or who my lecturers are supposed to be,” she said.
With no academic guidance, the student says they are left to idle around in school.
“The daily routine here is to wake up, sleep, stroll around, eat, and repeat. This idleness has led many students engaging in immoral activities,” she added, confessing to having her first sexual experience and first taste of alcohol due to the idleness.
Call for Government Intervention
Noel Otieno, the institution’s Postgraduate Students’ Representative, believes the situation can only be resolved through government intervention. He acknowledges the severity of the strike and its impact on students but also empathizes with the lecturers. “Do we want our lecturers collapsing in classes due to unpaid salaries? Our lecturers are parents, too. The government must step in and resolve this crisis,” Noel says.
He further urged President William Ruto to take immediate action to save the institution in his Uasin Gishu home county. “The government has bailed out parastatals before. It’s time to do the same for Moi University. Closing the institution is not an option – too much has been invested by students,” he added.
Administration Responds but Frustrations Persist
Moi University Chancellor, Professor Isaac Kosgey, issued a memo on October 2, urging students to remain calm. The VC says the administration is in advanced stages of resolving the issues that led to staff and lecturers industrial action. On the same date, mega demos were witnessed as the institution’s lecturers took to the streets of Eldoret City. For many students, this assurance seems insufficient. On Tuesday, October 1, a section of students staged a peaceful march within the main campus, demanding the resumption of learning activities.
