New Council Takes Over in Plan to Reform Moi University.
The Ministry of Education has introduced significant measures to address the financial and managerial challenges facing Moi University, including the appointment of a new council.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba presided over the swearing-in of the new council members on January 22, aiming to rescue the Eldoret-based university from recurring crises, including unresolved Sh8.6 billion debts related to salaries and statutory deductions.
Among the proposed reforms are changes in management and strategies to improve the university’s financial health. The CS emphasized that leadership and governance issues necessitated the overhaul of the council to restore the institution’s former glory.
The outgoing council chair, Dr. Humphrey Kimani Njuguna, was replaced by Prof. Noah Midamba, as part of the government’s intervention strategy announced by President William Ruto earlier this month.
The appointments of Prof. Clara Samiji Momanyi, Christopher Khaemba, Eusilah Jepkosgei Ngeny, and Susan Amlango Aletia were revoked. They were replaced by Prof. Midamba as chairperson, alongside members Prof. Ronald Wasike, Dr. Mercy Nyambura Kanyara, Dr. Edwin Sambili, and Anne Weceke Makori.
Dr. Ogamba explained that the ongoing crisis, which began in 2024, prompted government intervention to prevent the university’s collapse. He noted that in December 2024, the ministry facilitated a return-to-work formula with workers to enable graduation activities.
Addressing Prolonged Academic Delays
The CS revealed that medical students who had been at the institution for over nine years would graduate by March 2025. He emphasized the government’s commitment to resolving leadership issues at Moi University and restoring confidence among students and staff affected by the ongoing challenges.
Ogamba disclosed plans to restructure other universities, beginning with the Technical University of Kenya (TUK). He stressed the importance of each institution fostering good governance, transparency, and accountability to enhance their roles in research, innovation, and education.
The government, he noted, is committed to making tough but necessary decisions to improve managerial and academic performance across public universities.
The CS urged newly appointed council members to implement the return-to-work formula agreed upon with workers.
Accompanied by Principal Secretary for Higher Education Beatrice Inyangala, Ogamba also highlighted the government’s intent to monitor progress at Moi University to ensure quality education. Dr. Inyangala reaffirmed the government’s support in ensuring reforms are effectively implemented.
The Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) Moi Chapter Secretary General Busolo Wegesa urged the management to halt plans for staff layoffs, citing understaffing issues.
Similarly, the Kenya Universities Staff Union (KUSU) called on the new council to prioritize timely payment of salaries. KUSU Secretary Mary Chepkwemoi expressed workers’ anxiety over delayed payments and urged immediate action.
Kesses MP Julius Ruto pledged to lobby parliament for increased funding to stabilize Moi University. He emphasized the need for immediate financial intervention to address the institution’s pressing needs.
New Council Chair Promises Reforms
Prof. Midamba, the newly appointed council chair, assured the government of his dedication to implementing reforms based on his extensive management expertise. He urged leaders to acknowledge and address challenges stemming from past governance failures.
President William Ruto, during a recent tour of Uasin Gishu County, reiterated the government’s commitment to overhaul the university’s management and allocate adequate resources. The president emphasized the importance of restoring Moi University’s reputation alongside other public universities.
Read Also: TUK Lecturers Down Tools Over Delayed Salaries
Last week, Moi University’s management disbursed Sh113 million in salary arrears to avert further strikes by teaching and non-teaching staff. This included full payment of December salaries, following warnings from UASU and KUSU about potential industrial action over the institution’s failure to honor a return-to-work agreement.
UASU Chapter Secretary Nyabuta Ojuki confirmed that arrears for October, November, and December had been credited to workers’ accounts. However, union officials stressed the need for the implementation of the remaining 24 clauses in the November 2024 return-to-work pact, including enhanced salaries under the 2021/2025 agreement.
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations are currently probing financial and managerial irregularities at Moi University. These investigations are expected to identify and address the root causes of the institution’s financial woes.
New Council Takes Over in Plan to Reform Moi University.
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