Moi University To Lay Off Staff Over Financial Struggles

Moi University has issued a redundancy notice to employees and their unions, citing financial difficulties that have made it unsustainable to retain its current workforce.

In a notice signed by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Kiplagat Kotut, the university stated that the retrenchment would affect members of the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU), in line with the provisions of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and Kenya’s Employment Act of 2007.

“The university formally notifies you of an intention to declare redundancy affecting a number of employees who are members of your union,” the notice read.

The decision, according to the university, has been triggered by a sharp decline in student enrollment, which has significantly reduced revenue.

This has made it difficult for the institution to meet financial obligations, including staff salaries and other operational costs.

“As a result, we are compelled to review our operations and adjust the workforce accordingly to ensure the sustainability of the university,” the statement added.

During the notice period, the university management will hold consultations with affected employees and their union representatives, following legal and contractual guidelines. The university assured affected staff that they would receive severance pay, salary in lieu of notice, payment for accrued leave days, and any other pending benefits.

The looming job cuts come barely a month after the government announced a Ksh1.8 billion bailout for the financially strained institution.

Moi University’s management has previously revealed that it owes over Ksh12 billion in salary arrears and unremitted pension contributions, among other debts.