Education CS Orders Immediate Resumption of Learning at Moi University after RTWF Agreement.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migosi Ogamba has directed the immediate resumption of academic activities at Moi University following a prolonged standoff between the administration and academic staff.
The standoff, which involved other staff members as well, stemmed from disputes over payment of salaries, benefits, and other staffing issues, which had paralyzed operations at the renowned institution.
The CS, alongside Principal Secretary for Higher Education and Research Dr. Beatrice Inyangala, facilitated the signing of a Return-to-Work Formula (RTWF) agreement between Moi University and staff unions, namely the University Academic Staff Union (UASU) and Kenya University Staff Union (KUSU).
Ogamba praised the involved parties for engaging in constructive dialogue to address their differences and build trust, ultimately agreeing on lasting solutions to the university’s challenges.
Accountability for Past Governance Failures
Ogamba highlighted that the issues crippling the university had accumulated over years due to poor governance decisions. These decisions, he noted, negatively impacted innocent students and staff who had no role in creating the problems.
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He stressed the government’s commitment to preventing further decline at Moi University and called on all stakeholders to work together to restore the institution’s former glory.
“As a government could not wait to see and we will not allow Moi university to go down on account of governance or any other interferences, we implore the leadership of this area and all stakeholders as the hands-on deck to ensure that ensure that we are back on track and Moi university is going to be the shining example that was meant to be,” he said.
The CS underscored the importance of accountability and transparent decision-making among university leaders. He noted that the crisis at Moi University serves as a wake-up call for all public universities and colleges.
He urged leaders to view their positions as a trust for current and future generations, emphasizing the need for innovation and sustainability amid declining government support.
Ogamba reiterated the need for universities to develop unique and competitive niche areas to attract local and international partnerships. He emphasized that this approach would enhance research commercialization, address societal challenges, and ensure the institutions’ relevance and sustainability.
Commitment to Higher Education Reforms
The Ministry of Education, according to Ogamba, remains committed to regulatory and policy reforms to enhance efficiency in the higher education sector.
He assured that leadership and governance challenges would be promptly addressed, starting with Moi University. He further stressed the importance of faithfully implementing the RTWF agreement to protect students and restore order.
To recover lost time, the university has been instructed to restructure its academic calendar. The administration has also been directed to withdraw punitive actions taken against staff during the industrial action to ensure the smooth resumption of activities.
UASU Secretary General Dr. Constantine Wasonga affirmed the resolution of all issues outlined in the RTWF agreement.
He urged the university management to honor the deal to avoid future conflicts and encouraged academic staff to return to work. Wasonga emphasized the need for an agreed program to recover lost time.
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Moi University Vice Chancellor Prof. Isaac Kosgei expressed gratitude to the government for resolving the stalemate.
He assured the public and university fraternity of a brighter future, pledging to create a conducive environment for learning and work, and to collaborate with stakeholders for societal betterment.
Education CS Orders Immediate Resumption of Learning at Moi University after RTWF Agreement.
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