Moi University Students in Limbo as Nairobi Campus Faces Closure

Moi University Students in Limbo as Nairobi Campus Faces Closure.

Moi University, grappling with severe financial challenges, may shut down its Nairobi campus as part of a government rescue strategy.

Beatrice Inyangala, the Principal Secretary for Higher Education and Research, informed the National Assembly’s Education Committee that closing the campus is among the proposals to reduce operational costs.

She highlighted that the closure could save the university up to Sh50 million annually, a critical step toward resolving its financial struggles.

However, she did not clarify whether the proposal had been adopted or was still under discussion. If implemented, the move would disrupt thousands of evening students in Nairobi, leaving their academic future uncertain.

Government Support for Staff Salaries and Deductions

The government has so far ensured the full payment of salaries for university staff up to September, along with the remittance of statutory deductions.

Dr. Inyangala assured the committee that measures are being explored to clear pending bills while guaranteeing continued salary payments.

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Despite these steps, MPs insisted on immediate and comprehensive action to restore normalcy at the institution.

Tinderet MP Julius Melly urged the PS to address the crisis within two days, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.

Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera attributed the problems at Moi University to governance issues, stressing the need for leadership reforms.

Staff Union Demands Comprehensive Solutions

University Academic Staff Union (UASU) Secretary General Constantine Wasonga reminded the government that the university’s strike was not solely about salaries.

He pointed out unresolved issues, including Sh1.2 billion owed for bank loans and another Sh1.2 billion for Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) arrears.

The union also demanded the settlement of Group Life Care funds, union dues, and other pending bills.

The prolonged strike, fueled by unpaid salaries and unfulfilled CBA obligations, led to unrest among students, resulting in the suspension of all academic activities.

Although the university reopened two weeks ago, MPs expressed concern over the lack of meaningful academic progress, with students largely idle.

Last month, the National Assembly’s Public Investment Committee on Governance and Education requested the Auditor General to audit Moi University and submit a report within 60 days.

This decision followed allegations of entrenched mismanagement and financial misappropriation at the institution.

Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) detectives recently interrogated Vice-Chancellor Isaac Kosgey regarding the alleged embezzlement of Sh2.2 billion through fraudulent infrastructure projects.

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The investigations extend to corruption and procurement irregularities involving the construction of two floors in the schools of public health, dentistry, and nursing.

Moi University faces an Sh8.6 billion debt, prompting a prolonged standoff between its management and striking workers.

The ongoing crisis highlights the urgent need for systemic reforms to restore stability and ensure the university’s survival as a leading academic institution.

Moi University Students in Limbo as Nairobi Campus Faces Closure.

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