Education CS, Ogamba has dissolved the entire Moi University council and appointed a new team to restructure the institution.
This comes two weeks after President Ruto promised to address the university’s challenges by setting up a committee to come up with lasting solutions.
New University Council
Outgoing chairman Dr. Humphrey Kimani Njuguna has been replaced by Prof. Noah Midamba. Prof. Clara Samiji Momanyi, Christopher Khaemba, Eusilah Jepkosgei Ngeny and Susan Amlango Aletia have also been fired.
The new appointees are:
- Prof. Ronald Wasike
- Dr. Mercy Nyambura Kanyara
- Dr. Edwin Sambili
- Anne Weceke Makori
The restructuring comes after years of pressure to address Moi University’s financial and management challenges.
President Ruto’s intervention
During his recent visit to his home county of Uasin Gishu, President Ruto said a robust management team and sufficient funding was needed to make Moi University among public universities.
“We will allocate enough resources and ensure the university has a good management so it can grow like other public universities,” said President Ruto.
Financial Woes and Staff Unrest
Moi University has been facing financial challenges including:
- KSh8.6 billion in unpaid salaries and statutory deductions.
- Threats of strikes from teaching and non-teaching staff over unpaid arrears.
To calm the situation, management released KSh113 million in salary arrears and paid December salaries in full. This came after Uasu and Kusu warned of fresh industrial action.
Despite these payments, the unions are pushing for implementation of the 2021–2025 CBA salary rates.
Mismanagement Investigations
EACC and DCI are investigating financial mismanagement at the university including KSh2.2 billion misused through a private company.
The Way Forward
The new Moi University council and management is expected to:
- Implement the remaining clauses of the November 2024 return-to-work agreement.
- Address mismanagement issues that have been highlighted in the investigations.
- Get more funding to stabilize the institution.
Outlook
The new council’s ability to address the financial and operational challenges at Moi University will be key to restoring its image and ensure learning continues for students. The institution’s fate now depends on leadership and government support.