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Moi University issues redundancy letters to staff in ‘right-sizing’ exercise
Moi University.
What you need to know:
- Moi University has begun issuing redundancy letters after finalising its restructuring plan.
- The UASU is taking the university to court to block the move and accuses it of acting in bad faith.
- Up to 800 members of staff could be affected by the mass layoffs.
Moi University has proceeded to issue redundancy letters to its staff in line with the restructuring plans announced earlier this year.
The University Academic Staff Union (UASU) has confirmed this and has moved to court to restrain the action.
The university started issuing the redundancy letters on Wednesday, and unconfirmed reports indicate that at least 800 staff could be affected.
In an internal memo dated Tuesday, May 13, the university management communicated to staff that the ‘right-sizing exercise’ had been concluded after extensive consultations with various stakeholders.
The memo, signed by acting Vice Chancellor Prof Kiplagat Kotut, instructed staff to collect their retention or redundancy letters from their various departments between Wednesday and Friday this week.
A brief follow-up SMS to all university employees read: Collect your retention or redundancy letter from May 14 to 16, 2025, at Main Campus or School of Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management (STHEM). Check your email or portal for details.”
Mr Busolo Wegesa, the Chapter Secretary, has confirmed that the university proceeded to issue letters of redundancy on Wednesday morning.
“UASU has received them and is preparing the copies to be given to our lawyer, who will proceed to court to apply for the university to be restrained and be censured,” he said.
Already, UASU has moved to the Employment and Labour Relations Court in an attempt to block the university from proceeding with the action.
“As communicated earlier, UASU has taken this matter up as a priority. The matter came up today, May 14, 2025, at the Employment and Labour Relations Court,” Mr Wegesa said.
The union has, however, accused the university management of acting in bad faith,” he said in a communication update to members.
“Today in court, the university stated that the process had not commenced. It appears they came to court with dirty hands! Please refer any communication from MU to the union for action on your behalf,” the union advised its members in the urgent communication notice issued on Wednesday evening.