The resumption of academic activities at Moi University has developed a new twist after the university management issued dismissal and suspension letters to union leaders representing the academic staff. The move has intensified the ongoing strike, pushing the potential for disruptions, including a possible delay in graduation ceremonies.
On Tuesday November 12, Secretary of the University Academic Staff Union (UASU) at Moi University Mr. Busolo Wekesa, confirmed that the university’s management has started issuing dismissal letters to leaders of academic staff unions. “They’ve targeted the leadership of every union,” Wekesa stated. This action has created a major hurdle to resuming operations at Moi University despite the institution’s recent reopening.
A senior Kenya University Staff Union (KUSU) member echoed Wekesa’s statement, adding that the letters have further fueled staff determination. Union representatives argue that management’s recent moves are part of a larger strategy to weaken the unions. The union official added, “They’ve only fueled our fight for fair treatment.”
Staff Demand Salary Payment Before Returning to Work
The core demand driving the strike is payment of overdue salaries and other deductions. Staff members, some of whom have gone two months without pay, insist they will only resume duties when management clears their dues. “Salary is a right. They cannot ask us to return without addressing this.” One of the striking staff remarked.
RELATED POSTS:
Moi University management’s selective issuance of suspension letters, according to the union, is part of a “divide and rule” tactic meant to intimidate. A UASU representative said, “By issuing selective suspensions, they’re feeding fear among staff.”
Moi University Ignores Parliamentary Directive to Negotiate
Members of Parliament last week directed Moi University’s administration to negotiate with union representatives to find a solution to the strike. Despite this, the management issued warning letters to union leaders before the committee left the premises on Friday, November 6. This has now escalated to suspension letters for union leaders.
The union representatives believe that university management is using these dismissals and suspensions to avoid discussing the financial and operational issues plaguing Moi University. Mr. Wekesa added, “They’re using intimidation to push staff back to work, yet the staff haven’t received salaries for two months. How do they expect us to work in these conditions?”
Potential Graduation Delays Loom as University Strike Continues
The unresolved conflict between university management and staff unions may result in further academic delays. According to the union leaders, the planned December 2024 graduation ceremony may be postponed unless these issues are resolved. Busolo further explained that Moi University’s current systems are unable to process the graduation list efficiently. “The ERP system for generating the list is non-functional, and we’re relying on manual methods,” he said. Without the participation of striking lecturers, the process could face significant setbacks.
