Moi University begins downsizing staff, cites financial challenges

Moi University has sent redundancy notices to hundreds of employees, citing overstaffing concerns.

The institution attributes the surplus workforce to the return of personnel following the granting of charters to several of its former satellite campuses.

According to the university, this consolidation has led to a staffing imbalance at the main campus, prompting the ongoing downsizing exercise.

In a notice to the staff, acting Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration, Planning and Strategy, Prof. Loice Maru, noted that the move is due to financial challenges across all departments.

As part of an ongoing restructuring process, Moi University has commenced a staff downsizing exercise, citing the need to align its workforce with current financial and operational realities.

In a formal notice, the university stated that the decision was informed by a comprehensive review of its staffing levels, financial sustainability, and operational demands.

The exercise, described as a right-sizing initiative, has been carried out in accordance with Section 40 of the Employment Act, 2007, and the provisions of the relevant Collective Bargaining Agreement.

The institution noted that some positions had been rendered redundant, and those affected would be entitled to their full terminal benefits.

These include notice pay or pay in lieu of notice, severance pay, payment for accrued leave days where applicable, and any other dues as outlined in their employment terms and the applicable CBA.

Staff members were directed to collect their redundancy letters from designated distribution points between May 14 and May 16, 2025.

In response, the University Academic Staff Union (UASU) has called on affected members to submit their employment records as it prepares to contest the university’s move.

UASU had earlier filed a suit in court challenging the university’s intention to downsize its workforce, protesting what it termed as an unlawful and unjustified move.