Moi University is grappling with a worsening financial crisis, fueled by falling student enrolment, mounting salary arrears, and an increasing dependence on government funding. The situation has raised fears over the long-term sustainability of one of Kenya’s oldest public universities.
Student numbers have dropped sharply from 48,000 in 2015 to just 21,000, slashing tuition revenue and intensifying financial strain.
Acting Vice Chancellor Prof. Kiplagat Kotut admitted that the university can no longer fully meet its wage bill despite receiving additional allocations from the National Treasury. He confirmed that a painful restructuring process, including potential layoffs, is underway.
“Although the restructuring process may be painful, it is aimed at reclaiming the lost glory of the university. It is regrettable that we are currently totally dependent on the government to manage our operations. The reorganization will make the university self-sustaining,” said Kotut.
Meanwhile, the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) has issued a strike notice, warning that lecturers will down their tools from Wednesday unless the university clears salary arrears and honors agreed commitments.
“All UASU members at Moi University shall withdraw their labor and shall not resume duty until the return-to-work formula is fully implemented, the June and July 2025 salaries are paid in full, and the National Collective Bargaining Agreement 2021–2025 is honored,” said UASU Secretary-General Constantine Wasonga in a letter to University Council Chairperson Prof. Noah Midamba.
The union accused the institution of reneging on a return-to-work deal that ended a three-month strike earlier this year. That agreement had secured Sh2.6 billion in cash and assets, including an immediate release of Sh500 million.
The 2021–2027 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) also allocated Sh7.7 billion, to be implemented in two phases: Sh4.3 billion in 2025/2026 and Sh5.2 billion in 2027/2028.
UASU chapter organizing secretary Ojuki Nyabuta rallied lecturers to stand firm, saying:
“We appeal to academics of all ranks and ages to come out and champion their rights. No single person in any rank can sit comfortably with the situation at hand.”
The looming strike comes just as Moi University prepares to admit its 2025/2026 first-year students, compounding the institution’s crisis of dwindling enrolment, financial instability, and workforce unrest.
