Moi University Lecturers Reject Redundancy Plan, Threaten Strike

Lecturers at Moi University have threatened to launch a strike following the institution's plan to declare 75 academic staff redundant amid recruitment of part-time lecturers.

The Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) Moi University chapter expressed strong opposition to the proposed redundancies, highlighting contradictions in simultaneously firing permanent staff and hiring part-timers.

Union's Concerns

• UASU Secretary General Robert Oduori questioned the financial rationale behind the move, asking if a thorough audit had been conducted to justify the redundancies.
• The union pointed out that lecturers are already burdened with large class sizes, some exceeding 1,000 students per session.
• Reducing permanent staff could further strain remaining faculty and compromise teaching quality.

Demands and Threats

• The union has demanded the immediate withdrawal of advertisements for part-time lecturers in affected departments.
• Failure to comply may lead to cessation of teaching activities, refusal to conduct handovers, and industrial action including a strike.
• UASU also warned of potential legal proceedings at the Employment and Labour Relations Court.

Context and Background

• Moi University is recovering from a significant financial crisis, despite a recent settlement of a long-standing legal dispute that relieved over KSh 1 billion in claims.
• The institution faces pending bills of around KSh 9 billion and is seeking additional recurrent funding for the 2026/27 fiscal year.
• Current leadership was installed following a shake-up in January 2025, with acting vice chancellor Professor Kiplagat Kotut at the helm.

The threatened strike comes shortly after the start of the academic year and arrival of new students, potentially disrupting learning amid ongoing financial and administrative challenges.