A sense of learning paralysis is imminent for the Moi University students following a formal seven-day strike notice issued by the Universities' Academic Staff Union (UASU).
Kenyans.co.ke has obtained an internal communiqué dated August 12, addressed to Prof. Noah Midamba, the Chairman of the Council. In this notice, the lecturers cite numerous violations of agreements and constitutional rights by the university administration as the basis for the strike.
The letter, signed by UASU National Secretary General Constantine Wasonga, alleges that Moi University has failed to disburse the salaries for June and July 2025 to academic staff at the negotiated rates stipulated in the 2021–2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). This situation raises significant concerns about the administration's commitment to upholding its obligations to faculty members.
"The Universities' Academic Staff Union (UASU) hereby issues a seven (7)-day(s) Strike Notice with effect from the date of this letter to Moi University Council over the following four failures," the statement read in part.
The union further alleges that the university has not implemented the Return-To-Work Formula signed between UASU and the Moi University Council on November 30, 2024.
Another key grievance cited by the lecturers was the university’s failure to honour clauses related to the review and promotion of staff, as well as the retirement age provisions stipulated in the national CBA.
The university was also accused of violating labour and freedom rights and failing to honour clauses related to the review and promotion of staff, as well as the retirement age provisions stipulated in the national CBA.
Following the grievances, the lecturers have threatened to down their tools beginning August 20, if they are not resolved.
''The strike shall commence on Wednesday, August 20, 2025,'' the statement concluded.
This will be the umpteenth time the lecturers will be downing their tools, a move that has been affecting studies in the institution for years.
Meanwhile, the University has proposed an increase in the hostel fees, affecting many of the students. In a separate notice to students, the university revealed that male students in hostels A, B, and C, offering 2 double-decker beds, are now priced at Ksh5,000, Ksh5,000 and Ksh7,000 per year, respectively.
Female hostels E, and G are priced at Ksh5,000 for rooms with two double-deckers, while K is priced at Ksh6,500 per year, while single rooms at Ngeria Hall 1 to 3 and Ngeria Hall 4 and 5 are set at Ksh8,000 per year, with the latter being semi-partitioned.
For Hostels H and J, which offer rooms with 1 double-decker, have had their rates increased to Ksh13,000 per year, while the main hostel CHS is priced at Ksh7,000 per year.
