Moi University Set for Major Reforms as Education CS Ogamba Targets Mismanagement

Moi University Set for Major Reforms as Education CS Ogamba Targets Mismanagement.

Education Cabinet Secretary, Julius Migos, has announced that investigations have been launched into the mismanagement of Moi University.

Those found responsible for the issues will face dismissal. During his visit to the Moi University School of Medicine campus in Eldoret, the CS emphasized that difficult decisions would be made to restore stability to the once-thriving institution.

Migos stressed the need for transparent management within universities to ensure they offer credible academic qualifications. He confirmed that decisive actions would be taken to maintain the integrity of the sector, promising that measures would be taken to improve the quality of education.

In addition, Migos revealed that major changes would be introduced at Moi University to enhance accountability and transparency. These changes may include staff layoffs and other necessary adjustments to improve the institution’s governance.

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The CS also indicated that the Higher Education Funding model would undergo a review, with a new approach expected within a few months to better serve its purpose.

Resolution of Moi University Strike

On Saturday, Migos and other Ministry of Education officials visited Moi University, where they signed a return-to-work agreement with the University Academic Staff Union (UASU).

This agreement marked the end of the strike that had disrupted learning at the institution since August 2024. The deal also ensured the immediate payment of October salaries at the agreed collective bargaining rates.

As part of the agreement, the government pledged to release Sh8.6 billion in salary payments, to be distributed over the next four years, from the 2024/25 to 2027/28 financial years.

To ease the university’s financial strain, it has been permitted to sell some of its assets to pay off outstanding debts. The agreement also allocated Sh500 million to address staff financial needs, including paying loans, union dues, pensions, and other welfare services.

Union Reactions and University Recovery

The members of the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU), Kenya Universities Staff Union, and Kenya Union of Domestic Hotels, Education Institutions, and Hospital Workers agreed to resume work immediately.

UASU Secretary General, Constantine Wasonga, acknowledged that while the strike had led to some progress, it was a small victory. He encouraged his colleagues to return to work and recover the lost time, stating that even a minor gain is valuable.

Under the agreement, the university will negotiate with financial institutions to secure grace periods for outstanding loans, as well as arrange for phased repayments. Annual promotions will continue, based on established criteria and policies, with UASU playing a role in policy formulation.

Migos stated that Moi University was on the brink of collapse due to poor leadership and external interference. Despite these challenges, the CS noted that there were efforts from regional leaders to ensure the institution’s recovery.

Migos also acknowledged that other public universities were facing similar financial difficulties and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to restoring stability across the higher education sector.

He called on parents and students to support the measures that would bring Moi University and other institutions back to normal. Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of negotiating collective bargaining agreements at the end of their cycles to allow for proper budgeting.

Support for Students and Institutional Revival

Migos also expressed his commitment to meeting with Moi University students who have faced delays in completing their courses. He recognized the frustration of students who had spent as much as nine years completing six-year programs and vowed to address their concerns.

Moi University’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Isaac Kosgey, thanked the National Treasury for its collaboration with the Ministry of Education in supporting the university’s revival efforts.

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Kosgey also expressed appreciation to the unions for highlighting the university’s challenges and committed to recovering the lost time.

Moi University Set for Major Reforms as Education CS Ogamba Targets Mismanagement.

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