Moi University leadership grilled after firing 376 staff
Members of the National Assembly Committee on Education on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, grilled the Moi University leadership on the institution’s handling of a massive staff layoff, which has affected 376 staff members.
The Committee, chaired by Tinderet MP Julius Melly, met with Moi University’s acting Vice Chancellor Isaac Kiplagat and Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor Loice Maru to assess the ongoing institutional reforms, the University’s Ksh8.8 billion debt burden, union dues arrears, and the looming closure of its coast campus.
Julius Melly pressed the University on its financial decisions and the rationale behind the massive layoffs.
“The Committee is deeply concerned about the livelihoods of the affected staff. We want assurance that the legal procedures were followed and that the university is not using redundancy as a shortcut to evade its financial obligations,” Melly noted.
Untenable financial position
In their presentation, the university officials said that the downsizing exercise began in 2022 following a review by a consulting firm, which found the university’s financial position untenable without significant government support.
The review revealed that Moi University had been operating beyond its means due to declining student enrolment and a ballooning wage bill.
The acting VC told the MPs that redundancy was the only feasible option after other measures, including natural attrition and voluntary retirement, failed to offer the scale of savings needed.
“This was a last resort. We followed the provisions of the Employment Act and held consultations with the unions from as early as 2022,” Kiplagat said.
“We expect to save approximately Ksh120 million monthly once the exercise is complete.”
The University confirmed that 376 staff members were affected, with severance and notice pay totalling Ksh167.4 million.
Unpaid union dues
Committee members questioned the timing, transparency, and legal compliance of the lay-off exercise.
“You have laid off hundreds of staff, yet the unions say they were not adequately consulted. Was this exercise fair and humane?” Nyamira Woman Rep Jerusha Momanyi posed.
The legislators equally questioned the University on unpaid union dues.
“It is unacceptable for an institution of higher learning to withhold deductions meant for union subscriptions. Where is the money going?” Kibra MP Peter Orero asked.
The University has admitted that it owes Ksh64.9 million in unremitted union deductions, specifically Ksh31.9 million to UASU, Ksh21.4 million to KUSU, and Ksh11.5 million to KUDHEIHA. However, remittances have resumed since September 2024.
Additionally, the lawmakers raised concerns over the viability of Moi University’s academic programs. The institution operates five campuses and offers 65 undergraduate and 194 postgraduate programmes, but it plans to close the Coast campus due to low enrolment.
“We must reflect on whether the academic programmes offered are aligned with national priorities and student demand,” Christine Oduor observed, adding that the closure of campuses should be the last option.
Kiplagat confirmed the University’s total debt stands at Ksh8.8 billion, including pending staff loans, statutory deductions, and unpaid suppliers. Under the staff return-to-work agreement alone, the University owes Ksh1.6 billion.
The acting Vice Chancellor stated that the university is working closely with the State Department for Higher Education and the Pending Bills Committee to resolve the financial crisis.
