A section of Moi University students on Thursday, October 3, 2024, staged a protest, opposing a decision of the institution’s senate to suspend learning.
The angry learners lit bonfires at the university’s main gate in Kesses, several kilometres from Eldoret City.
Some of those who spoke to the media hit at the university management for the abrupt decision.
“We don’t want to go home, we came here to learn,” one angered learner told journalists.
“All of us have paid fees and rent. Some of our parents have even sold cows and land for us to learn. Sending us back home is the last thing they want to hear,” another one said.
Why Moi University has been closed?
In a notice, the institution said the University Senate, in a special meeting held on Thursday, October 3, 2024, had resolved to suspend teaching and learning activities for the 1st semester of the 2024/2025 academic year due to ongoing staff industrial action and subsequent student unrest.
Further, the notice from the University’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Isaac Sanga Kosgey, said the University has been closed with immediate effect.
“All students across Moi University campuses have been advised to vacate the University premises immediately, including those residing in the University halls of residence,” read part of the notice.
“International students are required to liaise with the Dean of Students for further guidance,” it added.
According to the VC, the date for re-opening will be communicated in due course.
The decision has however not gone down well with learners who have been in the institution for over a month now without attending classes.
Police officers had to be deployed to help quell the situation and avert damage to properties.
Why Moi University lecturers are on strike
Moi University lecturers have been on strike, demanding for full payment of their salary arrears.
They also want the institution to ensure all their statutory deductions are deposited to the relevant state agencies.
But while suspending learning, the VC said the University Council and Management are working to ensure that University operations resume as soon as possible.
The Vice-Chancellor appreciates the students for their understanding and support in maintaining calm during the disruption of academic programmes,” Prof Kosgey said.