The Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) and two other workers’ unions have called off the three-month strike at Moi University after signing a return-to-work agreement.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba and Higher Education Principal Secretary Beatrice Inyangala witnessed the signing of the deal at the institution.
Under the agreement, the government will immediately release Sh500 million to address some of the workers’ demands. The Kenya Universities Staff Union (KUSU) and the Kenya Union of Domestic, Hotels, Educational Institutions, and Allied Workers (KUDHEIHA) also endorsed the deal, paving the way for over 900 lecturers and 2,300 other staff members to return to work.
Vice-Chancellor Isaac Kosgey and Council Chair Humphrey Njuguna represented the university during the negotiations.
UASU Secretary General Constantine Wasonga stated that while the unions did not secure all their demands, the agreement offered a significant step forward. KUSU National Secretary James Mogaka added that the deal included a roadmap for the government to address the Sh8.6 billion demanded by the workers.
“To the workers, let’s return to work on Monday. Although we didn’t get everything we wanted, we’ve achieved something. Even the tail is meat,” said Wasonga.
He assured that lecturers and staff would work with the university to recover lost time in academic programmes.
CS Ogamba termed the agreement a breakthrough, pledging immediate action to address Moi University’s challenges. He criticized poor decision-making at the institution, which he blamed for its current struggles.
“The students and workers have suffered due to decisions they had no part in making. The mistakes made here must never recur,” said Ogamba.
He also revealed plans for management changes at the university, emphasizing closer monitoring of public universities to prevent similar crises.
VC Kosgey announced that the university would resume full operations, including hosting this year’s graduation for over 6,000 students in December. He vowed to restore the institution’s lost glory through quality education.
Council Chair Njuguna acknowledged the university’s tarnished image, urging stakeholders to unite for the institution’s revival.
“I promise we will turn things around. Let’s forgive each other for past differences and move forward together,” he said.
PS Inyangala reassured students that the strike was a minor setback, expressing confidence that they would emerge stronger.
