Moi University Faces Fresh Strike Threat Over Unpaid Staff Dues Despite Sh6 Billion Bailout

Lecturers at Moi University have issued a fresh ultimatum to management. They threaten to down tools unless the institution honours a return-to-work agreement signed after earlier strikes in 2024 and 2025.

The warning came despite confirmation that the university received a Sh6 billion government bailout. On Friday, the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) accused management of failing to respect the deal.

Dr Constantine Wasonga, UASU national secretary-general, said the union wants all issues settled before students resume in September. He stressed there is enough time now to avoid disruptions to learning.

One point of contention involves Sh500 million that was released in January. UASU claims the university council diverted this money to pay salaries during cash flow problems. The union insists the bailout should now cover the original purposes of those funds.

Those obligations include Sh100 million for staff SACCO loans, another Sh100 million for bank loans, Sh150 million for pension schemes, provident funds and gratuity, and smaller amounts for union dues, benevolent funds, staff welfare and group life cover. All remain outstanding according to the union.

A separate dispute centres on Sh1.25 billion in salary arrears. UASU says this amount accumulated because staff continued to receive pay based on the 2013-2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) rates instead of the improved 2017-2021 scales.

The union rejects any attempt to link these arrears to the Sh3.9 billion released last year for another CBA. Dr Wasonga said the two amounts are distinct and the return-to-work agreement required the Sh1.25 billion to be budgeted in the 2025/26 financial year.

Moi University has a long history of financial difficulties. It has faced mounting debts, delayed salaries, staff layoffs and repeated strikes that disrupted academic programmes.

The latest government bailout was meant to stabilise the institution. Yet UASU argues the money must now address these specific commitments to prevent another round of unrest.

Dr Wasonga emphasised that staff should not face disturbances when the new semester begins. The union wants full implementation of the agreement to restore calm on campus.

This situation highlights the persistent challenges at one of Kenya’s major public universities. Management has yet to issue a detailed response to the latest claims.