Moi University has suspended all learning activities following a lecturers’ strike and subsequent unrest among students.
In a memo issued on Thursday, October 3, Vice Chancellor Isaac Kosgey announced the immediate closure of the institution.
“The University Senate, in a special meeting held today, Thursday, October 3, 2024, resolved to suspend the teaching and learning activities for the 1st Semester of the 2024/2025 Academic Year due to the ongoing staff industrial action and the resulting student unease,” the Vice Chancellor stated.
He ordered all students across the university’s campuses to vacate the premises immediately, including those residing in university accommodation.
International students have been advised to consult with the Dean of Students for further guidance.
The re-opening date will be communicated at a later time.
Earlier on Thursday, anti-riot police officers in Eldoret used tear gas to disperse students protesting in Eldoret town over the disruption of their studies caused by the ongoing lecturers’ strike.
Hundreds of students, attempting to march into the Central Business District (CBD), were turned back by the police.
The students are demanding intervention from government officials to resolve the strike, which has left them idling on campus.
The lecturers, along with other university staff, held demonstrations in Eldoret on Wednesday, protesting delayed salary payments and calling for the implementation of Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA).
The strike has left learning at the institution paralyzed, with no clear resolution in sight.
Students are now urging leaders to step in and help resolve the situation so that lecturers can return to work and learning can resume.
The closure of the university adds to growing concerns over the impact of labor disputes on education in Kenya.
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