Leadership overhaul is the solution to Moi University woes, Alumni

Former students of Moi University have united in an attempt to restore the institution's academic prestige. 

The group, christened Restore Moi University Forum (FORM), has outlined clear demands to address the university’s financial crisis, staff welfare issues, and disruptions of learning.

Led by Ogila Nyarongo, the alumni are pushing for change. Among the immediate actions the former students want taken is the removal of Vice Chancellor Prof Isaac Kosgey. 

"We are demanding leadership change. The current VC has failed in his mandate, and the council has not provided effective oversight," he said Muthoni Ouko former Secretary General of Moi University Students Organization (MUSO).

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Ouko is faulting the VC for failing in his duties, leading to financial instability, strikes by staff, and an academic environment that no longer meets the standards of a public university.

“We are deeply disappointed by the performance of the current leadership. As the chief executive officer of the university, Kosgey should have been the chief steward of the university’s affairs, but instead, we have seen mismanagement and neglect,” she added.

Meanwhile, the Nyarongo led-forum, which recently met Cabinet Secretary for Education Julius Ogamba is pushing a total overhaul at the university. 

"We laid out the gravity of the situation. We spoke about the university’s financial mismanagement, the disappearance of marks, unfulfilled staff dues, and the halted academic programmes. We even discussed the delay in the admission of first-year students for the 2024/25 cohort," said Nyarongo.

Further, the group wants financial intervention and has requested the government to inject at least Sh2.8 billion into the institution to address staff welfare.

According to Nyarongo, response from the CS was firm, since he promised to look into issues affecting the university.

Nyarongo while reflecting on the university’s future, the alumni shared a multi-phase recovery plan. The alumni group is composed of diverse members, including those formally recognised by the university and smaller voluntary groups. 

“The first step is securing Sh500 million for the immediate restart of operations. This will bring life back to the university and allow programs to resume. The next phase involves leadership change. The VC and council should step down for the good governance of the university. While they may not be entirely at fault, their legitimacy is gone," he stated.

And to address the immediate needs of the university, CS Ogamba led government in signing a return to work formula with the University unions. 

The ministry committed to pumping Sh500 million to settle accrued statutory deductions by January next year.

Additionally, the government will release Sh8.6 billion spread in three years as part of CBA implementation.

David Ouma, a former MUSO leader, urged the Ministry of Education to provide the wage bill rationalisation strategy submitted by the university's management and ensure that staff numbers and compensation align with the national guidelines.

"The university has to address the reality of the wage bill to have a sustainable future. We also need to ensure that any rationalization doesn’t compromise on the quality of our faculty and staff," said Ouma.

Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera, who is also an alumnus, has joined those calling for the immediate exit of the VC and dissolution of the Council.

"The council has completely failed in its responsibility, contributing directly to the crisis. It is the council’s duty to ensure financial accountability, but instead, we are seeing the university’s debts rise, salaries go unpaid, and students’ education disrupted,” he said.

Another critical area of focus is the rationalisation of the university's staff in line with recommendations from the National Wage Bill Conference, which advocates for a reduction in the wage bill-to-revenue ratio by 2028.

"When we were at the university, we learnt there are over 600 staff. If you ask the management of their role, nobody is ready to explain," said Nabwera.