Union blasts Moi University over layoffs, billions in unpaid staff dues
Officials from the Kenya University Staff Union (KUSU), Moi University Chapter, said workers were suffering under poor governance that had eroded morale and paralysed services.
Union leaders at Moi University have accused the institution’s management of presiding over financial neglect, discriminatory layoffs, and a decade-long failure to honour staff agreements.
Speaking before the National Assembly Education Committee in Parliament, officials from the Kenya University Staff Union (KUSU), Moi University Chapter, said workers were suffering under poor governance that had eroded morale and paralysed services.
The union criticised the university’s move to issue redundancy notices to staff, especially young and mid-level workers, without any consultation, only to outsource the same roles.
They said vital departments in finance, laboratories, and administration were left severely understaffed, disrupting university operations.
"This Committee has taken a keen interest in resolving the issues affecting universities. We are particularly keen on supporting Moi University to ensure it can sustain itself and its staff," said Committee Chair Julius Melly.
"Redundancy must not be used as a tool to punish or discriminate against staff. The welfare of workers is the foundation of academic excellence," added MP Jerusha Momanyi.
The union also raised alarm over the university’s failure to remit mandatory third-party deductions since 2018, including pensions, loans, and insurance premiums.
Some employees, they said, had been listed with credit reference bureaus or sued by lenders due to the delays.
Documents presented to the Committee revealed that by June 2022, the backlog of unremitted deductions stood at Sh8.6 billion, with the figure continuing to rise.
KUSU officials also told MPs that Moi University was still operating under a 2012–2013 Collective Bargaining Agreement, while CBAs signed for 2013–2017, 2017–2021, and 2021–2025 had never been implemented.
They said the stagnation had blocked staff promotions and created unfair pay disparities.
Members of the Committee assured the union that the concerns would be followed up with the relevant ministries and oversight agencies to help rescue the university and restore staff confidence.
