Moi University has officially issued redundancy letters to hundreds of staff members, citing a serious overstaffing problem and ongoing financial constraints. This decision comes after a comprehensive internal review, which found that the institution’s operational needs no longer align with its current workforce capacity.
The move marks one of the most significant workforce reductions in Kenya’s public university sector in recent years and highlights the growing financial challenges that many institutions of higher learning are facing across the country.
Overstaffing Triggered by Campus Charter Upgrades
According to Moi University management, the redundancy process was primarily triggered by an influx of staff back to the main campus. This occurred after several of the university’s satellite campuses were awarded charters, effectively elevating them to fully autonomous universities. Consequently, staff who had been working in these now-independent institutions were recalled to Moi University’s main campus in Eldoret, leading to overstaffing in various departments.
In a notice dated May 2025, the Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor in charge of Administration, Planning and Strategy, Professor Loice Maru, addressed the situation, attributing the layoffs to both financial constraints and structural inefficiencies.
“We regret to inform you that due to financial constraints currently facing the University, a decision has been made to implement a Right-Sizing Exercise,” the internal memo stated. “This has been carried out in compliance with Section 40 of the Employment Act, 2007, and the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement.”
Scope of the Redundancy Exercise
Though the exact number of affected employees has not been officially released, sources close to the university indicate that hundreds of non-teaching and teaching staff may have been impacted. The departments most affected are said to include administration, support services, and some academic units that had overlapping functions or reduced teaching loads.
The notice emphasized that the decision was not taken lightly. The university had conducted a thorough review of its operational needs, alongside consultations with relevant stakeholders, before concluding that the redundancies were necessary to ensure long-term financial sustainability.
Affected employees have been instructed to collect their redundancy letters from designated collection points between May 14 and May 16, 2025.
What Affected Staff Will Receive
Despite the tough decision, Moi University has assured employees that the redundancy process is being conducted in accordance with Kenyan labor laws. Staff whose positions have been declared redundant will receive their full terminal dues, which include:
- Notice pay or payment in lieu of notice
- Severance pay as per the terms of the Employment Act, 2007
- Compensation for accrued leave days, if applicable
- Any additional dues as stipulated in the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and individual employment contracts
The university’s human resources department has also been directed to facilitate the smooth processing of benefits and exit procedures.
UASU Pushes Back, Files Court Case
The decision has sparked immediate backlash from the University Academic Staff Union (UASU), which represents academic staff at Moi University and other institutions. The union has advised all affected members to submit their employment histories and contract details as part of a legal strategy to challenge the redundancies in court.
UASU had previously filed a lawsuit in an attempt to halt the downsizing process, arguing that the university had failed to follow due process and had not engaged the union in meaningful consultation. The union’s legal team is now reviewing the redundancy letters and termination packages to determine whether the university may have breached any clauses in the CBA.
In a statement, a UASU representative said:
“We are deeply concerned by the manner in which this exercise has been conducted. The university has not provided adequate justification for letting go of so many employees. We believe there is room for negotiation and reorganization rather than termination.”
Broader Implications for Kenya’s Higher Education Sector
The situation at Moi University is reflective of a broader financial crisis facing public universities in Kenya. Many institutions are grappling with reduced government funding, rising wage bills, and low student enrollment following the overhaul of the placement system and changes in university funding models.
In recent years, several other universities—including the University of Nairobi, Egerton University, and Kenyatta University—have also implemented job cuts, program restructuring, and even closed some satellite campuses in response to financial challenges.
Experts warn that without urgent reforms in funding, governance, and resource allocation, more universities may find themselves in similar positions.
Government Response and Stakeholder Reactions
The Ministry of Education has yet to issue a formal statement regarding Moi University’s latest redundancy exercise. However, insiders suggest that the issue is being closely monitored, especially given its potential impact on learning, staff morale, and industrial relations in the sector.
Stakeholders in the education sector, including the Commission for University Education (CUE), are expected to review the case to determine whether Moi University acted within its mandate and if other universities need to prepare for similar restructuring.
What’s Next for Moi University?
With the redundancies now underway, Moi University is expected to begin a restructuring process aimed at streamlining operations and restoring financial stability. The university may also explore new funding avenues, such as partnerships with industry players, expansion of self-sponsored programs, and research grants.
However, the legal battle with UASU could significantly affect the timeline and implementation of these plans. If the court rules in favor of the union, Moi University may be forced to reinstate affected staff or pay additional compensation.
For now, uncertainty looms over the fate of the affected employees, many of whom have served the institution for years.