KENYA: Students of Moi University students may have to wait longer for the re-opening despite an earlier announcement.
Studies in the institution have been in a limbo with first year students not setting foot in class this semester, even as the academic year nears conclusion in other Varsity's.
Earlier, Higher Education and Research Principal Secretary Dr. Beatrice Muganda Inyangala said officials drawn from the State Department will visit the institution on November 8.
She encouraged the students to remain patient and resilient as the institution works towards reopening the university.
However, Reports indicate that a meeting between top management from Moi University and union officials which was set to resolve the prolonged University strike has ended in a stalemate.
This consequently poses a challenge to the university’s planned reopening on Thursday, November 7.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Kosgey anticipated that negotiations would conclude today Wednesday, November 6th, referring to a circular issued last week, with KUSU and UASU expected to sign a return-to-work agreement.
The plan outlines that the university would reopen on Thursday, with students returning on Friday, November 8.
The university’s leader stated that discussions with union representatives started on Saturday.
Moi University closed indefinitely since October 3 and will reopen if a resolution is reached to end the strike involving its workers.
The strike is attributed to delayed salaries and issues related to the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
The university is also facing severe financial challenges, including debts amounting to Sh8 billion. Investigations are underway into several financial irregularities, such as unpaid payroll deductions, a defaulted loan, and outstanding bills.
The lack of a consensus leaves the Student's fate hanging in the balance as one of what used to be the greatest higher learning institution's in the country grapples for survival.
