TUKO.co.ke journalist Harry Ivan Mboto has over three years of experience reporting on politics and current affairs in Kenya

Staff unions have strongly condemned Moi University and the Ministry of Education for what they termed a reckless and unlawful retrenchment of nearly 900 employees.

The Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) and the Kenya Universities Staff Union (KUSU) jointly addressed the media on Tuesday, May 20, expressing outrage over the dismissal of academic and non-academic staff without consultations.

The unions accused the university management of acting unilaterally in violation of a court directive requiring stakeholder engagement before any redundancy measures.

UASU National Chairperson Grace Nyongesa criticised the university's decision, saying it blindsided union members.

“Our members are being sent home in a process we never participated in and do not understand. We don’t even know how those retrenched were singled out,” she lamented.

UASU Secretary-General Constantine Wasonga cited Section 40 of the Employment Act, which outlines mandatory consultations before redundancy.

“Section 40 contemplates that parties must consult and come up with alternatives. We were never consulted, and no alternatives were discussed. Moi University acted with a predetermined agenda,” he said.

Wasonga questioned the impact of such a massive layoff on the institution's future, hinting that the remaining union members will join their affected colleagues in calling for justice.

“If you declare over 800 staff redundant, is that still a university?” he posed. “This is the time for our remaining members to stand together and pursue justice. You cannot mismanage a university then joke with the lives of 892 people.”

He further demanded accountability from the government, asking why those responsible for Moi University’s financial woes remained untouched.

“What has the government done to those who mismanaged Moi University? Why are they walking scot-free?” Wasonga asked.

The unions questioned the redundancy criteria, highlighting inconsistencies in the list of affected staff.

“If you taught a student, and that student is now retained while you’re sacked, where’s the logic? What criteria was used?” asked Wasonga. “We want to see the tool you used. We want transparency on how qualifications, skills, performance and seniority were assessed.”

KUSU Secretary-General Charles Mukhwaya joined in demanding that acting Vice-Chancellor Kiplagat Kotut recall the redundancy letters and open dialogue.

He claimed that some of the staff listed for redundancy were long retired—or even deceased.

“Among the over 800 staff members declared redundant, some are long retired. Many are dead! If the payroll is bloated due to ghost workers, don’t punish innocent, active employees,” said Mukhwaya.

He further argued that public universities are state institutions, and the government cannot abdicate its funding responsibilities.

“The crisis in our universities stems from unpaid capitation and statutory dues by the government. It’s not just Moi University, others will follow if this trend continues," he said.

Mukhwaya questioned government priorities amid rising public taxes.

“Kenyans are paying high taxes. Where is the money going if not to education? Are we letting public institutions collapse while funds line people’s pockets?” Mukhwaya asked.

He also dismissed the claims that the staff cuts were due to declining student numbers, saying Moi University doesn’t have enough staff for the current student population, let alone future enrolments.

Wasonga revealed that Moi University's administration intends to compel the remaining lecturers to take on additional courses to fill the gap left by the retrenched staff.

However, he firmly maintained that the existing workforce would not accept the extra workload.

“Our members will not take more courses. It’s three units per semester. Stick to that," Wasonga said.

The unions declared that they would not enter any dialogue with the university management until all redundancy letters are officially withdrawn.

“The CS for Education, Julius Ogamba, told us that academic staff would not be affected. Yet professors, senior lecturers, lecturers, and assistant lecturers have been declared redundant,” said Wasonga.

Source: TUKO.co.ke