The ongoing lecturers’ strike at Moi University has entered its third week, with no resolution in sight as negotiations between the Academic Staff Union (UASU) and university management remain deadlocked.
Vice Chancellor Professor Kiplagat Kotut expressed optimism that the impasse could be resolved, indicating that fresh negotiations are being planned to address the issues raised by the union. However, talks held last week ended without any agreement, leaving students and staff in limbo.
UASU officials, led by Chairman Richard Okero, Acting Secretary Dr. Dan Mukhwana, and Organising Secretary Nyabuta Ojuki, have made it clear that their members will not resume teaching until all demands are met. “We know our rights,” Dr. Mukhwana said, emphasizing that the union had formally written to management and that another meeting was scheduled for Tuesday.
The union is pushing for the implementation of 25 demands, which include the payment of salary arrears and the remittance of statutory and third-party deductions. UASU claims that the arrears amount to over Sh9 billion, covering delayed June and July 2025 salaries, as well as unresolved dues from the 2021–2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement. Additionally, lecturers cite unresolved issues regarding pensions, medical cover, promotions, and the Return-to-Work Formula signed in November 2024.
While students have already reported back to campus, they are caught in the middle of the dispute. Student leaders, led by Pauline Jeruto, have called on the Ministry of Education to intervene and mediate. “As students, we go to the university to learn and nothing else. Our lecturers have genuine demands which must be addressed,” she said.
UASU Vice Chairperson Linda Khaemba noted that the ongoing stalemate is affecting both teaching and morale. “It is becoming difficult to encourage our students when they can see the challenges we are going through,” she said.
Despite the deadlock, Professor Kotut reiterated the university’s commitment to dialogue, expressing confidence that a solution can be reached. Both parties are expected to reconvene in the coming days, with hopes that a compromise will finally bring an end to the disruption.
As the strike enters its third week, the pressure on Moi University’s management to meet lecturers’ demands and restore learning continues to grow.
