Moi University Begins Dismissal and Suspension of Striking Staff Amidst Return-to-Work Struggles.
Moi University academic staff have encountered a significant obstacle in resuming their duties, as the university’s administration has initiated the issuance of dismissal and suspension letters to leaders of academic staff unions.
On Tuesday, Busolo Wegesa, Chapter Secretary of the University Academic Staff Union (UASU) at Moi University, confirmed to the media that this decision has substantially hindered the resumption of academic activities at the institution despite its reopening.
Wegesa reported that all leaders of university staff unions have been given dismissal notices.
A prominent official from the Kenya University Staff Union (KUSU) added that the letters had further galvanized staff to fight for their rights.
Staff members insisted that their unpaid salaries and loan deductions be settled before they return to work. They emphasized that salaries are a basic right, and resuming work would be unreasonable without full payment.
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The official remarked that selective issuance of suspension letters appeared to be an intimidation tactic meant to instill fear among staff.
Tension Between Staff and Management
Wegesa noted that despite directives from Members of Parliament for the university to negotiate with staff, the management issued warning letters before the Parliamentary committee left the premises on November 6.
This has since escalated to suspension letters targeting union leaders. He expressed concerns that there are individuals intent on preventing discussions on Moi University’s challenges by driving staff away.
Wegesa highlighted that the lack of payment for two months had led to some staff’s property facing auction due to unpaid loans, further intensifying dissatisfaction.
He stressed that intimidation would not force workers back, especially under these conditions.
Potential Academic Disruptions
The latest actions taken by the university’s management could further delay academic programs, with the potential to extend the period of stalled activities and even disrupt upcoming graduation plans.
Wegesa pointed out that graduation could not proceed until all grievances are resolved. He noted that the university’s ERP system, which generates graduation lists, has been dysfunctional, necessitating a manual workaround dependent on the participation of striking lecturers.
ALSO READ: University of Nairobi Orders Striking Lecturers Back to Work or Face Action.
“We just want them to pay our loans and all the deductions that they have taken from us. They should pay us, then we will come back to work,” she stated.
The ongoing issues between Moi University staff and management reveal deep-seated grievances over unpaid dues and dismissal threats, leaving the institution’s academic future uncertain and raising concerns over the timely graduation of students.
Moi University Begins Dismissal and Suspension of Striking Staff Amidst Return-to-Work Struggles.
