Moi University Staff Right-Sizing Exercise Faces Union Pushback and Legal Scrutiny
However, UASU has fiercely opposed the exercise, filing a case (ELRCC/018/2025) at the Employment and Labour Relations Court (ELRC) to halt the university’s actions.
Moi University. Photo/Citizen Digital.
By Robert Assad
Moi University’s recently concluded staff right-sizing exercise has sparked significant tension, with the University Academic Staff Union (UASU) stepping in to challenge the process.
On May 13, 2025, the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kiplagat Kotut, announced that staff members could collect their retention or redundancy notification letters between May 14 and May 23, 2025, at designated venues like the Central Registry and STEM Restaurant.
Staff are required to bring their Personal File Number and National Identity Card to facilitate the process.
However, UASU has fiercely opposed the exercise, filing a case (ELRCC/018/2025) at the Employment and Labour Relations Court (ELRC) to halt the university’s actions.
On May 14, 2025, the court directed Moi University to respond to UASU’s letter dated April 9, 2025, and urged both parties to engage in good faith, with a progress report due on May 28, 2025.
The judge warned that failure to reach an agreement would lead to a full hearing of the memorandum of claim, emphasizing that Kenyans are closely watching the situation and any unlawful or unjust actions will face strict consequences.
UASU, led by Dr. Wasonga, the National Secretary General, has prioritized this matter. Busolo Wegesa, UASU Chapter Secretary, reiterated the union’s commitment, stating, “Ndani ya Chama Mbele iko Sawa” (Within the union, all is well).
Meanwhile, J.S. Ojuki Nyabuta, the Chapter Organizing Secretary, encouraged staff to collect their letters and share critical documents—such as redundancy letters, appointment letters, and workload details—with the union via uasumoi@gmail.com to strengthen their case.
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