Moi University is facing significant unrest as its staff members staged a protest in main campus, demanding the immediate resignation of Vice Chancellor Prof Isaac Sanga Kosgey and the dissolution of the university council.
The demonstration, which took place on Tuesday, August 6, featured impassioned speeches and slogans from the discontented staff.
The protesters, including both academic and non-academic staff, voiced their frustration over what they described as “gross mismanagement” and “lack of accountability” by the university’s top leadership. Holding placards and chanting slogans, the staff members marched through the university grounds, calling for swift action to address their grievances.
The protesting staff highlighted several critical issues, including delayed salaries, a shortage of essential teaching materials, and deteriorating infrastructure.
“It is unacceptable that we have to work under such deplorable conditions. The university management has neglected its responsibilities, and this has severely impacted our ability to deliver quality education,” said John Mwangi, a laboratory technician at the institution.
The staff members also accused the university council of failing in its oversight role. “The council has turned a blind eye to the numerous issues plaguing the university. They have not held the Vice Chancellor accountable, and this has exacerbated the problems we are facing,” said Dr Kiplagat a staff at the intitution.
In a press statement released during the protest, the staff detailed their demands, which included the prompt payment of all overdue salaries, enhancement of working conditions, and a comprehensive audit of the university’s finances. They also urged for the establishment of an independent committee to supervise the transition to new leadership.
READ ALSO:
“The time for change is now. We will not relent until our demands are met,” declared Mwangi. “We owe it to ourselves and to the students to ensure that Moi University is restored to its former glory.”
As the protests persisted, the university’s administration stayed silent on the issue. Attempts to contact the VC and members of the university council for comment were unsuccessful. The staff members have pledged to continue their demonstrations until their demands are met.
The developing situation at Moi University reveals increasing dissatisfaction within Kenya’s higher education sector, where governance and resource allocation issues remain significant concerns. The staff’s demand for prompt action emphasizes the need to tackle these challenges urgently to ensure the institution’s stability and advancement.
By Frank Mugwe
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
