Troubled Moi University is set to send home 892 employees including 120 lecturers. The university, which is facing a cash crisis will sack 120 lecturers and 772 general employees. In total, the number of employees who are facing the sack is 892 employees.
Already, the institution has sent termination notices to employees in all departments that are affected. It has attributed the move to cut the jobs to a deepening financial crisis that has been made worse by low student enrolment numbers.
“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, which we have carried out in compliance with Section 40 of the Employment Act, 2007 and the provisions of the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement,” an internal memo that was signed by the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration, Planning and Strategy, Professor Loice Maru stated.
The 892 Moi University employees who are facing the sack have now been given a 30 days’ notice. They will be paid all terminal benefits in line with the Employment Act, 2007 and relevant Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
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“Take note that your final payment will be processed and made available to you in your usual bank account. We kindly request that you return any university property in your possession by your last working day, to facilitate a seamless clearance process as stipulated in your employment contract.”
The upcoming sackings were confirmed by Acting Moi University Vice Chancellor Professor Kiplagat Kotut, who said that the university is currently relying solely on government for survival.
“Although the restructuring process could be painful, it is aimed at reclaiming the lost glory of the university. It is regrettable that we are currently totally dependent on the government to manage our operations and the reorganizations will make the university self-sustaining,” Professor Kotut told a local media house.
Professor Kotut further revealed that over the last ten years, student numbers at the university have dropped by more than half. In 2015, the university had 48,000 students in its register. This number has fallen to the current 21,000.
As the firing of the employees looms, the University Academic Staff Union (UASU) has filed a petition with the courts to block Moi University from effecting the dismissals. When the matter came for mentioning before the court on Wednesday May 14, the university asked for 14 days to negotiate with the unioni.
