‘Don’t watch Moi University sink,’ Governor Bii appeals to President Ruto

Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii has appealed directly to President William Ruto to intervene in the worsening situation at Moi University, warning that job losses, demoralised employees and frustrated students are raising fresh concerns about the institution's future.

Bii made the appeal on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, during Mashujaa Day celebrations at Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret, where he called on the national government to take urgent measures to address the challenges facing the public university.

In a strongly worded message to the President, the governor cited the loss of more than 200 jobs, saying the situation had left workers distressed and students increasingly frustrated.

“Mr. President, Moi University is going down on your watch. Students are frustrated, workers are depressed, and more than 200 employees have lost their jobs. The institution is in a total mess. Please, Mr. President, intervene and rescue this institution. It is one of the biggest educational institutions in our region. Don't watch it sink, Mr. President,” Bii said.

The governor's remarks have drawn attention to the human cost of the university's reported difficulties, particularly the effect on employees who have lost their livelihoods and students whose academic experience may be affected by prolonged institutional challenges.

The reported loss of more than 200 jobs raises questions about the university's staffing situation, financial sustainability and ability to maintain effective service delivery.

Bii did not provide a detailed breakdown of the affected employees or specify the period over which the job losses occurred. The figure therefore remains a claim attributed to the governor, pending further clarification from the university or relevant government authorities.

The governor also expressed concern about student frustration and low staff morale, urging the national government to give the institution the attention needed to address its problems.

Moi University is a major public higher education institution serving learners from across Kenya, with significant economic and social importance to Uasin Gishu County and the wider North Rift region.

Its continued stability matters not only to students and employees but also to families, businesses and communities that depend on the university's presence and operations.

Bii's appeal places responsibility for addressing the university's challenges squarely before the national government, which oversees public universities through the relevant education and higher education structures.

The governor called for decisive intervention to prevent further deterioration, although he did not outline specific measures he wanted the President to implement.

Potential areas requiring clarification include the circumstances surrounding the reported job losses, the university's financial position, the welfare of affected workers and the measures being taken to protect students' academic progress.

An official response from the university and the national government would help establish the extent of the challenges and identify the steps planned to restore stability.

For students, employees and other stakeholders, the immediate concern is whether the institution can address its difficulties while maintaining teaching, learning and other essential university services.

Beyond the university crisis, Bii used his address to raise concerns over land ownership, urging the national government to accelerate the issuance of title deeds to farmers who have yet to receive formal documentation for their land.

The governor said resolving the outstanding title deed issues would help residents secure legal recognition of their land ownership, an important matter in a county where agriculture remains a major economic activity.

Formal land documentation can help owners establish their property rights, reduce ownership disputes and improve their ability to make long-term decisions concerning their farms.

Bii's appeal highlights the continuing importance of land administration and secure property ownership to farmers and other residents across Uasin Gishu County.

The governor also encouraged Kenyans to embrace the national government's affordable housing programme, arguing that alternative residential options could help ease pressure on productive agricultural land.

His remarks reflected the challenge of accommodating growing housing demand while protecting land used for farming and other economic activities.

For an agricultural county such as Uasin Gishu, balancing residential development with the preservation of productive farmland remains an important planning consideration.

Bii further acknowledged the national government's support for agriculture and reaffirmed the North Rift region's commitment to contributing to Kenya's economic growth.

Although the governor addressed land ownership, housing and agriculture, his appeal concerning Moi University stood out as the central message of his address.

His warning that more than 200 employees had lost their jobs, coupled with concerns about student frustration and staff morale, has renewed attention on the institution's condition and the need for clear information about its challenges.

The next steps will depend on the response from the national government and the university's management, including any explanation of the reported job losses and measures to address the concerns raised by the governor.