MOI STRIKE

Workers at Moi University, main campus in Eldoret reported to work Thursday but most of them stayed away from their work places and offices as confusion reigned over the strike that was set to begin on Thursday.

The workers maintained that the strike was still on, despite press reports that the unions' representatives had called off the strike following a deal with the government.

Long queues were witnessed at various offices as students rushed to clear their fees before sitting for exams that are set to begin next week.

Workers interviewed by the Kenya News Agency said they were unaware if the strike had been called off.

They vowed to withdraw their services until they received official communication.

The union said strike is aimed at compelling the government to release two billion shillings in arrears owed to the workers.

However, the government moved in on Wednesday evening to avert the strike, saying the contested balance would be factored in 2010/2011 budget.

Prime Minister Raila Odinga said that public universities are part of the government and it was the government's wish that all its workers are well remunerated.

Raila regretted that 94.7 percent of the GDP goes to recurrent expenditure in terms of payment of salaries leaving only 2.7 percent for development expenditure and noted that for the economy to grow more funds need to be invested in infrastructural development.