Moi University has officially begun issuing redundancy letters to staff, marking a significant step in the institution’s ongoing restructuring process that was announced earlier this year.
The University Academic Staff Union (UASU) has confirmed the move and has since filed a case in court seeking to halt the layoffs.
The issuance of redundancy notices began on Wednesday, with internal sources suggesting that up to 800 employees could be affected, though the exact number remains unconfirmed.
In an internal memo dated Tuesday, May 13, the university’s management informed staff that the “right-sizing” exercise had been finalized following extensive consultations with various stakeholders.
The restructuring is part of broader efforts by Moi University to streamline operations and address financial challenges that have affected service delivery and staffing levels in recent years.
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.
