Lecturers at Moi University have accused the institution of issuing threats of dismissal as their strike enters the third week without a resolution.
The university’s Academic Staff Union of Universities (UASU) branch officials said they would not be intimidated into resuming teaching until their grievances were addressed.
Speaking in Eldoret on Monday, UASU official Dr Duncan Mukhwana claimed that attempts were being made to coerce lecturers back to work through threats of termination.
“We are aware that some of them are receiving threats that if they do not report for duty, they will be terminated. We are assuring our members that no such thing is going to take place,” said Dr Mukhwana.
The lecturers downed their tools on August 20, citing unpaid salary arrears, non-remittance of statutory and third-party deductions, lack of medical cover, pension contribution delays, and unresolved loans. Many staff members say they have been denied access to financial facilities due to the university’s failure to settle deductions.
UASU leaders, led by branch chairperson Richard Okero, acting secretary Dr Mukhwana, and organising secretary Nyabuta Ojuki, insisted they would not return to lecture halls until their demands were met.
“We know our rights,” added Dr Mukhwana, revealing that the union had written formally to management and another meeting had been scheduled.
Ojuki and Okero lamented that although students had resumed campus life, learning remained paralysed due to the industrial action. Student leaders, led by Pauline Jeruto, called on the Ministry of Education to intervene urgently.
“As students, we go to the university to learn and nothing else. Our lecturers have genuine demands which must be addressed,” said Jeruto.
According to UASU, lecturers have tabled 25 demands, including arrears amounting to more than Sh9 billion, unpaid June and July 2025 salaries, and delayed implementation of benefits under the 2021–2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). The union also wants the November 2024 return-to-work formula honoured.
Branch secretary Dr Wegesa Busolo said the offer presented by Moi University management last week “fell far short of expectations.” Vice-chairperson Linda Khaemba noted that staff were frustrated by stalled promotions, unpaid pensions, and lack of medical cover.
“It is becoming difficult to encourage our students when they can see the challenges we are going through,” she said.
Moi University Vice-Chancellor Prof Kiplagat Kotut has expressed optimism that the impasse can be resolved, saying new talks are being arranged. However, negotiations held last week collapsed without agreement.
The university, already grappling with financial strain and leadership crises, has faced repeated strikes in recent years, leaving parents and students frustrated as academic programs remain suspended.
