NAIROBI, Kenya, Apr 3 – Moi University has announced plans to declare redundancies, citing a sharp decline in student enrollment that has strained its financial position.
In a notice addressed to the University Academic Staff Union (UASU), the institution’s Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kiplagat Kotut, stated that the decision is driven by a drop in revenue, making it difficult to meet financial obligations, including staff salaries.
“This decision has been necessitated by a reduction of revenue brought about by a decline in student numbers. This has created a difficult operating environment, making it a challenge for the university to meet its financial obligations,” the statement read.
The university will engage affected employees and union representatives to explore alternatives, including possible redeployment, in line with the Employment Act and the 2012/2013 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
Affected employees will be entitled to severance pay, salary in lieu of notice, accrued leave pay, and any other unpaid benefits, with deductions made as per statutory requirements.
The move highlights the financial struggles facing public universities in Kenya, many of which have been grappling with reduced government capitation, increased operational costs, and a shifting education landscape.
Moi University, one of Kenya’s leading public institutions, has been undergoing restructuring efforts to ensure sustainability.
The exact number of staff to be affected and the timeline for the redundancy process will be communicated in due course.
The university now joins a growing list of institutions forced to adjust their workforce to cope with economic pressures, raising concerns about job security in the higher education sector.
