Moi University Lecturers Strike Just Before First-Year Reporting Day

Eldoret, Kenya – Lecturers at Moi University downed their tools on August 20, 2025, a day before the scheduled reporting of thousands of first-year students. The decision stems from management’s failure to implement a KSh 8.6 billion return-to-work agreement, previously negotiated with university staff.

Background & Catalyst for Strike

• On August 12, the Universities’ Academic Staff Union (UASU) issued a seven-day strike notice, citing critical breaches by university management—including unpaid June and July 2025 salaries per the 2021–2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA)** and failure to enact the return-to-work formula signed on November 30, 2024.

• The union maintains the strike is not a push for salary increases but a demand for the implementation of previously agreed terms including health contributions under the Social Health Authority (SHA) for over 900 lecturers.

University’s Assurances

Moi University management, led by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Kiplagat Kotut, initially assured stakeholders that academic activities would proceed despite the looming strike. On August 15, they stated that teaching, examinations, research, and preparations for first-year admissions—set for August 21—would continue unhindered.

Strike Details & Union Standpoint

• Lecturers officially withdrew services on August 20, Monday, effectively disrupting onboarding of new students.

• UASU Secretary Busolo Wegesa emphasized the issue is not about pay raises but ensuring promises—including the disbursed KSh 500 million catalyst payment—are fulfilled under the return-to-work formula.

Summary Table