The National Assembly Committee on education has pledged urgent intervention into widening staff welfare crisis at Moi University, after meeting with representatives from the Kenya University Staff Union (KUSU), Moi University Chapter, over critical grievances affecting the institution’s operation.
Appearing before the Committee on June 12,2025, the union delegation delivered a detailed memorandum citing human resource constraints, staff redundancy, stalled Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) and financial challenges which they warned have diminished the staff morale and are posing a serious threat to educational outcomes and the stability of the institution.
Committee Chairperson Julius Melly (Tinderet) acknowledged the significance of the issues raised and affirmed the Committee’s intent to support Moi University through a sustainable and inclusive approach.
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“This committee has taken keen interest in resolving the issues affecting universities,” Melly said. “We are particularly keen on supporting Moi University to ensure it can sustain itself and its staff.”
The union cited concerns over what they termed as non-consultative redundancy notices issued to youthful and middle-aged staff, which they believe could undermine succession planning and institutional continuity.
They further questioned the university’s decision to outsource services previously handled by in-house personnel soon after declaring their positions redundant.
According to the union, offices that previously had at least four staff members have been left with one officer or none at all, affecting operations in departments such as finance, laboratories, and administration.
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“Redundancy must not be used as a tool to punish or discriminate against staff. The welfare of workers is the foundation of academic excellence,” said Jerusha Momanyi.
The union officials also raised concern about pending financial obligations. They revealed that the university has not remitted third-party payroll deductions, including pension contributions, SACCO loans, insurance premiums, and welfare funds — since 2018.
These delays, union said, have caused financial hardship for staff, some of whom have been blacklisted with credit reference bureaus or faced court action from lenders.
Documents submitted to the Committee indicated that as of June 2022, the pending recoveries stood at Kshs8.6 billion — a figure that has reportedly increased. The union argued that this situation has eroded staff morale and put their long-term financial wellbeing at risk.
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The Committee was also informed of delays in implementing several Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs), with the university still using an outdated CBA from 2012–2013. KUSU noted that three internal CBAs signed for 2013–2017, 2017–2021, and 2021–2025 remain unimplemented, contributing to stalled career progression and pay disparities.
Members of the Education Committee took note of the issues raised and pledged to engage relevant oversight institutions and the Ministry of Education to help find lasting solutions.
By Masaki Enock
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