Moi University has officially reopened following a near two-month closure due to a prolonged strike by over 4,000 employees, stemming from delayed salary payments and unresolved issues within the institution’s Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). The announcement was made in a memo dated November 7, 2024, by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Isaac S. Kosgey.
“This is therefore to announce the reopening of the university with immediate effect. Students are to report back for theirstudies and classes are to resume on Monday 11th November at 8am,” the memo read in part.
This highly anticipated update has brought relief to students as the academic calendar for the 2024/2025 session is set to resume on Monday, November 11, 2024.
why Moi University Was Closed
Moi University, located in Kesses, Uasin Gishu, was closed indefinitely on October 3rd 2024, as a result of industrial action led by the University Academic Staff Union (UASU) and the Kenya University Staff Union (KUSU).
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The unions, representing academic and support staff, demanded resolution to unpaid salaries and adherence to the CBA, which they argued had been overlooked for an extended period. The tension between staff and administration escalated into widespread protests, disrupting academic activities and forcing the institution to instruct students to vacate the premises.
The Road to Reopening
The university’s administration led by Prof. Isaac Kosgey initiated a series of consultative meetings aimed at resolving the issues. According to an earlier memo, these discussions commenced on Saturday, November 2, 2024, and extended through to Wednesday, November 6, 2024, bringing together representatives from UASU, KUSU, and other stakeholders. The dialogues centered on creating a sustainable solution for the salary delays and working conditions, as well as establishing a framework for upholding the terms outlined in the CBA. These negotiations are said to be ongoing, with lecturers yet to reach an agreement to allow for the resumption of classes.
The Impact of Moi University Closure
The near two-month closure not only interrupted the academic progression of students but also led to considerable unrest. Student-led protests erupted on campus with clashes involving riot police leaving some students injured and hospitalized.
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The disruption greatly affected the student community, leading many to call for governmental intervention. Notably, student leaders and union officials appealed to President William Ruto to address the crisis, which they described as a significant threat to the university’s operational and financial stability.
Academic Activities to Resume
As per the official notice, Moi University will recommence academic activities on Monday, November 11, 2024, at 8:00 a.m. The resumption marks a crucial step towards restoring normalcy within the institution, allowing students to continue with their studies and catch up on missed coursework.
Prof. Kosgey expressed gratitude to students for their patience and support during the university’s challenging period, acknowledging the disruption they had endured over the past months. “This is also to thank the students for their understanding and support during the period which academic activities were disrupted,” he said.
