Moi University Strike Ends as Return-to-Work Formula Agreement is Signed
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba and Principal Secretary for Higher Education and Research, Dr. Beatrice Inyangala, today witnessed the signing of a historic Return-to-Work Formula agreement between Moi University and staff unions, UASU (University Academic Staff Union) and KUSU (Kenya Universities Staff Union). This marks the end of a month-long strike that had brought academic and administrative activities at the university to a standstill.
The agreement ends a period of disruption that had left students stranded and classes suspended, with lecturers and staff demanding better working conditions and a resolution to various issues affecting their welfare. With the strike now officially over, operations at the university are expected to resume, and a revised academic calendar will be put in place to recover the time lost during the industrial action.
In a statement following the signing, CS Ogamba expressed gratitude to the staff unions for choosing dialogue over continued confrontation, acknowledging their role in bringing the crisis to a resolution. “I would like to thank the unions for their commitment to resolving these issues through constructive discussions,” Ogamba said. He also reaffirmed the government’s dedication to addressing the underlying concerns of the staff to ensure the sustainable growth of the higher education sector.
The Education CS also extended his appreciation to the students for their patience throughout the strike, promising that the revised academic calendar would make provisions for the lost learning time. “We understand the frustration of students and assure them that we will do everything necessary to ensure that their academic progress is not compromised,” he added.
In his remarks, Ogamba also took the opportunity to reflect on the broader implications of the crisis at Moi University. He described the situation as a “wake-up call” for all public universities, urging university managers to rethink their operational strategies. “The challenges at Moi University highlight the urgent need for institutions of higher learning to focus on sustainability, transparency, and accountability in their management. The decisions made today will affect future generations,” he said.
The signing ceremony of the Return-to-Work Formula is expected to restore normalcy at the university, providing a platform for the administration, staff, and students to continue working together towards the institution’s long-term success.
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