Moi University management is on the spot for dismissing 320 workers as the financial crisis deepens at the Kesses-based institution of higher learning. 

The community surrounding the university yesterday issued a 7-day ultimatum to the government and the university to resolve the crisis.  

They vowed that if their demands are not met they will stage mass demonstrations that could disrupt university operations and further strain the local economy. 

In a memo dated March 12, the university management said the move has been informed by the reduction in student numbers resulting in a substantial reduction of workload. 

“This is therefore to give a notice that the university will not be renewing your contract upon expiry on March 31, 2025,” a memo by acting deputy vice-chancellor (Administration, Planning and Strategy) Prof Khaemba Ongeti read in part. 

According to Prof Khaemba, the University Management Board, during its 184th Regular meeting held on December 9, 2024, resolved that “you be released upon expiry of the current contract.” 

“We would like to thank you for your contribution, and wish you well in your future endeavours,” added Prof Khaemba’s memo. 

The layoffs, which primarily affected local residents employed in cleaning, security, and manual labour positions, have left hundreds of families without a source of income, raising concerns over the broader economic impact on the region. 

Speaking on behalf of the affected workers and residents, former Tulwet Chuiyat Ward MCA Hillary Mutai criticized the university’s decision to outsource critical services, calling it a betrayal of the local workforce. 

“Over 300 of our brothers, sisters, and parents have been sent home despite their years of loyal service to Moi University. This move is unacceptable. These individuals were the backbone of our community, and now their livelihoods have been taken away overnight,” said Mutai. 

Mutai further called on Vice Chancellor Prof Kiplagat Kotut to reconsider the decision, urging him to align the university’s employment policies with President William Ruto’s vision of job creation. 

“This outsourcing decision directly contradicts the government’s commitment to creating employment opportunities for our people,” he added. We need the university to support the local community, not push them into unemployment,” said Mutai. 

Eliud Kipkoech, a resident of Kesses said: “Moi University has been a key pillar of this community, providing jobs and a market for our produce. With declining student numbers and now these mass layoffs, our economic stability is under threat.” 

Local vegetable vendor Irine Too, popularly known as Mtetezi, echoed similar concerns. 

“For years, we have supplied fresh produce to the university, but with this crisis, our businesses are suffering. We demand justice for those affected and immediate action to reinstate the workers,” she said. 

The residents have called on the university to prioritize employing local residents rather than outsourcing jobs to external firms. 

The silence from elected leaders, including Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii, has also been met with criticism. 

“We are shocked that our leaders have remained silent while families are being plunged into hardship,” said Kimutai Kirui, a human rights activist. 

Kirui further warned that the ongoing layoffs could erode the community’s relationship with the university.  

“If this continues, there will be no local workers left at Moi University, creating unnecessary tension between the institution and the residents,” he cautioned. 

Financial woes at Moi University’s main campus in Eldoret started deepening early this month after workers were not paid their February salaries. 

According to a memo from the university Vice Chancellor Prof Kiplagat Kotut, early this week, staff were urged to be patient as the issue of their salaries is being looked into. 

“Efforts are being made by the University Management and Council to address the issues responsible for the salary delay,” Prof Kotut’s memo read in part. 

He further called on all staff members to continue discharging their duties as usual so that the planned examination proceed as scheduled. 

“All Chairs of Departments, are, therefore, required to ensure that the planned examinations are administered as scheduled,” directed Prof Kotut. 

It also emerged that some staff members were grappling with a lack of funds to cater for transport to the workplace. To address this, Prof Kotut assured staff that the university bus would be availed in Eldoret City to transport the affected staff to the main campus.