Community Outrage as Moi University Dismisses Over 320 Workers
In a show of unity, the community has given Moi University management and the government a seven-day ultimatum to resolve the crisis. If their demands are not met, they have vowed to stage mass demonstrations
The community surrounding Moi University is in uproar following the recent dismissal of over 320 workers, many of whom had served the institution for more than two decades.
The layoffs, which primarily affected local residents employed in cleaning, security, and manual labor positions, have left hundreds of families without a source of income, raising concerns over the broader economic impact on the region.
Speaking on behalf of the affected workers and residents, former Tulwet Chuiyat Ward MCA Hon. Hillary Mutai criticized the university’s decision to outsource critical services, calling it a betrayal of the local workforce.
“Over 300 of our brothers, sisters, and parents have been sent home despite their years of loyal service to Moi University,” Mutai stated. “This move is unacceptable. These individuals were the backbone of our community, and now their livelihoods have been taken away overnight.”
Mutai further called on Vice Chancellor Prof. Kiplagat Kotut to reconsider the decision, urging him to align the university’s employment policies with President William Ruto’s vision of job creation.
“This outsourcing decision directly contradicts the government’s commitment to creating employment opportunities for our people,” he added. “We need the university to support the local community, not push them into unemployment.”
The sudden loss of employment for these workers has had a cascading effect on the local economy. Farmers, shopkeepers, landlords, and service providers who relied on the university community for business have started feeling the pinch.
Eliud Kipkoech, a resident of Kesses, voiced his frustration, saying, “Moi University has been a key pillar of this community, providing jobs and a market for our produce. With declining student numbers and now these mass layoffs, our economic stability is under threat.”
Local vegetable vendor Irine Too, popularly known as Mtetezi, echoed similar concerns. “For years, we have supplied fresh produce to the university, but with this crisis, our businesses are suffering. We demand justice for those affected and immediate action to reinstate the workers,” she said.
In a show of unity, the community has given Moi University management and the government a seven-day ultimatum to resolve the crisis. If their demands are not met, they have vowed to stage mass demonstrations that could disrupt university operations and further strain the local economy.
Stanley Kabarak, a respected local leader, warned of escalating protests if urgent action is not taken. “We are not asking for favors—we are demanding fairness. If the university fails to reinstate these workers and settle their unpaid salaries, we will organize the largest demonstration this region has ever seen,” he declared. “President Ruto must intervene because this is a matter of survival for many families.”
Beyond the layoffs, local leaders have raised concerns over Moi University’s financial management, questioning the presence of ghost workers on the payroll despite the university’s declining student population, now reportedly at just 6,202.
“There are claims that Moi University is still paying salaries to ghost workers. How does the administration justify cutting real jobs while such inefficiencies persist?” Mutai questioned. “The Ministry of Higher Education must investigate these allegations and ensure transparency.”
Leaders also urged the university to prioritize employing local residents rather than outsourcing jobs to external firms. “These positions—cleaners, security guards, cooks—should be given to our people, not outsourced,” Kipkoech asserted.
The silence from elected leaders, including Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii, has also been met with criticism.
“We are shocked that our leaders have remained silent while families are being plunged into hardship,” said Kimutai Kirui, a community activist. “Governor Bii must take a stand and help us find a solution.”
Kirui further warned that the ongoing layoffs could erode the community’s relationship with the university. “If this continues, there will be no local workers left at Moi University, creating unnecessary tension between the institution and the residents,” he cautioned.
As tensions escalate, local leaders have hinted at taking legal action against Moi University if the dismissals are not reversed.
“If the university does not reinstate these workers, we will take this matter to the Labor Court,” Kirui declared. “This is an inhumane way to treat people who have dedicated decades of their lives to this institution.”
With the ultimatum deadline fast approaching, all eyes are on Moi University and the government to respond to the growing crisis. The affected families remain hopeful for a resolution, but if no action is taken, the region could witness one of the most significant protests since the university attained a new vice chancellor.
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