Moi University Staff Protest Salary Delays: Over 3,000 Workers Boycott Duty
Moi University is currently facing significant unrest as over 3,000 of its staff members have initiated a go-slow protest, reflecting deep-seated frustrations over chronic salary delays and unresolved workplace issues. The situation has escalated to a point where the employees are threatening a full-blown strike unless their grievances are promptly addressed. This article delves into the details of the protest, the workers' demands, and the implications for the university's management.
1. The Protest
The protest, led by union officials from the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) and the Kenya Universities Staff Union (KUSU), saw a mass boycott of work across Moi University’s main campus and the College of Health Sciences. The action comes in response to severe delays in salary payments, with workers specifically citing the non-payment of July salaries as a critical issue.
Union leaders Richard Okero of UASU and Mary Chepkwemoi from KUSU have spearheaded the movement, petitioning President William Ruto for intervention. The workers are expressing their discontent over the university's failure to remit salary deductions for loans and other financial obligations to banks over the past seven years. This has led to severe financial strain on the staff, with some facing debt and asset seizures.
2. Financial Hardships and Implications
The financial struggles of the university staff have reached alarming levels. According to Chepkwemoi, the failure to remit salary deductions has led to legal actions from financial institutions, with workers' assets being auctioned off. The financial strain has even resulted in tragic consequences, with some staff members reportedly passing away due to the pressures of debt.
The protestors have called for the resignation of Vice Chancellor (VC) Kosgey and the university council, citing a lack of effective management and accountability. They argue that unless new leadership is appointed, the university could face a complete collapse, further exacerbating the current problems.
3. Call for Government Intervention
In their petition to President Ruto, the workers have highlighted the urgent need for government intervention. They have expressed concerns that the town of Eldoret, which Ruto is set to elevate to city status, will become a "city of problems" if the issues at Moi University are not resolved. The workers are appealing for immediate action to address their salary and financial concerns, emphasizing the dire impact on their lives.
4. Management’s Response
As of the latest updates, VC Kosgey has yet to publicly comment on the situation. He was reported to be in a meeting with his aides, with assurances that a statement would be issued following the meeting. The lack of immediate response from the university’s management has only fueled further frustration among the staff, who view it as a lack of commitment to resolving the issues at hand.
The ongoing protest at Moi University underscores a significant crisis affecting the institution’s staff. With over 3,000 employees demanding action over salary delays and financial mismanagement, the situation poses a serious challenge to the university's administration. The call for intervention by President Ruto and the demand for new management reflect the gravity of the situation and the urgent need for resolution. As the protest continues, the focus will remain on whether the university's leadership can address the staff's grievances and restore normalcy before the situation escalates further.
