STRIKING MOI UNIVERSITY LECTURERES ALLEGE INTIMIDATION THROUGH TERMINATION THREATS

Lecturers at Moi University have accused the institution of issuing threats of dismissal as their strike enters its third week with no resolution in sight. Officials from the university’s branch of the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) have vowed not to return to class until their demands are fully addressed, dismissing what they describe as intimidation tactics by the university.

Speaking in Eldoret, UASU official Dr. Dan Mukhwana stated that the union is aware of attempts to coerce lecturers back to work through threats of termination. “We are aware that some members have received threats warning that failure to report to duty could result in dismissal. We want to assure our members that such threats will not succeed,” he said on Monday.

 Lecturers have been on strike since August 20, 2025, demanding payment of salary arrears, remittance of statutory and third-party deductions, reinstatement of medical cover, pension contributions, and resolution of long-standing loan issues. They argue that the university’s failure to meet its obligations has left staff unable to access financial services.

UASU leaders including chairperson Richard Okero, acting secretary Dr. Mukhwana, and organising secretary Nyabuta Ojuki, reaffirmed their commitment to the strike, saying they would not resume teaching until all concerns are addressed. “We understand our rights,” said Dr. Mukhwana, noting that the union has already formally engaged the administration and scheduled further discussions.

Ojuki and Okero added that while students have returned to campus, learning remains paralyzed due to the ongoing impasse. Student leaders, led by Pauline Jeruto, have called on the Ministry of Education to step in. “As students, we come to university to learn—nothing else. Our lecturers have valid grievances that need to be resolved,” Jeruto said.

UASU reports that 25 issues are currently under negotiation, including over Sh9 billion in arrears, delayed salaries for June and July 2025, unresolved benefits from the 2021–2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement, and the implementation of a return-to-work formula agreed upon in November 2024.