Moi University Announces Job Cuts Amid Financial Crisis, Sparking Community Outrage
“The university has experienced a sharp decline in student enrollment, admitting only 6,000 first-year students for the 2024/2025 academic year,below its capacity of 14,000“
UASU members take to the streets in Eldoret, demanding the resignation of Moi University's Vice Chancellor and the immediate release of overdue salaries, as frustrations over unfulfilled promises and financial mismanagement boil over/Pic James Gitaka
Moi University has formally notified the University Academic Staff Union (UASU) of its intention to declare redundancy for a number of employees, citing significant financial constraints due to declining student enrollment.
In a letter addressed to UASU’s National Secretary General, the university’s Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kiplagat Kotut, stated that the institution is compelled to review its operations and adjust the workforce to ensure sustainability. He emphasized that the decision aligns with Section 40 of the Employment Act 2007 and the existing Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between Moi University and UASU.
The university has experienced a sharp decline in student enrollment, admitting only 6,000 first-year students for the 2024/2025 academic year, significantly below its capacity of 14,000. This shortfall has resulted in a substantial revenue decrease, making it challenging for the university to meet its financial obligations, including staff salaries.
Prof. Kotut assured that during the notice period, the university will engage in consultations with affected employees and their union representatives to explore all possible alternatives to limit the impact of the redundancy, including potential redeployment or alternative roles where feasible. He reiterated the university’s commitment to conducting the process fairly and transparently, in full compliance with legal and contractual obligations.
This development follows recent layoffs at Moi University, where over 300 staff members were dismissed as part of cost-cutting measures. The university’s financial challenges have been attributed to factors such as reduced government funding, the implementation of the Differentiated Unit Cost (DUC) model, and rising personnel costs driven by unfunded CBAs.
The UASU has previously opposed such redundancy measures. In July 2022, the union called for the rescission of a similar decision, emphasizing the need for stakeholder consultations to address the university’s financial issues without resorting to layoffs.
Community Outrage Over Job Losses
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 primarily affected local residents employed in cleaning, security, and manual labor positions, leaving hundreds of families without a source of income and raising concerns over the broader economic impact on the region.
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. He stated, “We cannot stand by as our people are unfairly dismissed. This move undermines the trust and cooperation between the university and the community.”
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.
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