The University Academic Staff Union (UASU) has filed a fresh court petition to halt the mass dismissal of Moi University workers.
The union is accusing the institution of ignoring a court order and acting in bad faith by issuing redundancy letters to staff members before completing the mandated consultation process.
Over 890 academic, administrative, and subordinate workers are affected, prompting outrage among employees and a strong reaction from the union. The legal battle now threatens to expose deeper issues in the university’s management.
UASU Accuses Moi University of Ignoring Court Orders and Acting in Bad Faith
Moi University is once again in the spotlight after UASU’s latest legal action aimed at protecting the rights of nearly 900 staff members who are facing redundancy. On Tuesday, May 14, the affected employees received letters signed by Acting Vice Chancellor Kiplagat Kotut, informing them that their positions had been scrapped due to financial constraints.
But according to UASU’s Moi University Secretary, Jeremiah Ojuki, this action violates a court directive that had instructed the university to hold structured discussions with the union and report the progress by May 28.
Speaking to the press shortly after filing the petition in the Employment and Labour Relations Court, Ojuki expressed disappointment at the university’s failure to comply.
“They just decided to issue letters of redundancy to the staff, which you can guess is outside the law,” said Ojuki. “The court gave its direction, but the employer went ahead and acted in disregard of this directive.”
The union insists that it is not against necessary restructuring but believes any changes must follow due process. Ojuki argued that the university had misled workers into believing talks were ongoing, only to shock them with dismissal letters.
Affected workers say they feel betrayed. “They were telling us that we are in talks to address the matter, yet they had already begun to process the redundancy letters,” one staff member revealed. “We were given the letters yesterday evening, so we are shocked because our employer does not follow the law.”
Moi University Workers Face Uncertain Future After Sudden Layoffs
The mass redundancy has thrown the lives of hundreds of Moi University workers into chaos. Most of the affected employees have served the institution for years and say they were completely unprepared for the abrupt decision. Workers from both academic and non-academic departments were included in the layoff.
The redundancy letters, issued under the guise of financial sustainability, explained that the decision was a result of ongoing budgetary pressures. “Please be assured that this decision is not a reflection of your work ethic but rather a necessary response to factors beyond our control,” read part of the letters.
Though the university promised to provide benefits such as notice pay, severance packages and compensation for accumulated leave, workers say the damage has already been done. Some are unsure how they will support their families, especially given the short 30-day notice.
Union officials say this is more than just a financial decision. “This is about fairness, dignity and the rule of law,” said Ojuki. “You cannot treat people like disposable tools after years of service.”
Budget Crisis at Moi University Raises Questions Over Management
Moi University’s explanation that the mass firing was due to financial strain has raised serious questions about the institution’s long-term planning and financial oversight. The Acting Vice Chancellor cited a “comprehensive review of operational needs” as the basis for the staff cuts.
However, observers argue that poor management may be at the heart of the problem. Despite numerous reports over the years highlighting financial mismanagement at the university, little has been done to implement meaningful reforms.
The current crisis may be the result of years of unchecked expenditure, underfunding and weak leadership. Many are now calling for a full audit of the university’s finances and better accountability from its top leadership.
UASU is also demanding that the government step in and provide support to public universities that are sinking under budgetary pressure. “Restructuring must be humane and follow the law. That’s all we are asking,” Ojuki said.
