Moi University Community Issues Seven-Day Ultimatum Over Sacking of 320 Workers, Threatens Major Demonstrations

The community surrounding Moi University in Uasin Gishu County has expressed outrage and deep concern following the recent dismissal of over 320 workers at the institution. The workers, many of whom had dedicated more than 20 years of service to the university, were given dismissal letters and sent home. This mass sacking has left numerous families without their primary source of income and sent ripples through the local economy.

In a statement delivered by local leaders, including Hon. Hillary Mutai, former Member of County Assembly (MCA) for Tulwet Chuiyat Ward, the community voiced their anger over the university’s decision to outsource critical services such as cleaning, security, and manual labor jobs. Many of the workers affected were local residents, and their loss of employment has raised concerns about the broader impact on the area’s economy and social fabric.

Community’s Outrage Over Unilateral Decision

Hon. Hillary Mutai, who has been vocal about the challenges facing the local community, expressed profound disappointment in the university’s decision. "Over 300 of our brothers, sisters, and parents have been sacked despite their years of loyal service to Moi University. We are not happy about this, especially because they were depended upon by their families and the entire community,” Mutai said.

The local community had hoped that the arrival of the new Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kiplagat Kotut, would usher in positive changes, but instead, many were left disillusioned as they saw local workers being dismissed without adequate notice or compensation.

“We urge the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kiplagat Kotut, to reconsider this decision. Outsourcing services for manual jobs such as cleaning and security will only hurt the local community, which has always benefited from these jobs,” Mutai added. "This decision contradicts President William Ruto’s plan to create employment opportunities, particularly for our local communities."

Economic Impact Felt Widely by the Community

The loss of employment for over 300 workers at Moi University has wider economic implications for the local area. The university, which has long been a key player in the region’s economy, provided local businesses with a steady source of income. Farmers, shopkeepers, landlords, and other service providers have all felt the impact of these layoffs.

Eliud Kipkoech, a resident of Kesses, expressed the community's collective frustration. “Moi University has been a beacon of hope for this community, offering jobs and providing a market for our produce. Now, with the university’s declining student numbers and these layoffs, many of us are struggling. We had hoped the new Vice Chancellor would address these issues, but instead, we are seeing more job losses," he said.

Kipkoech, who has been personally affected by the change, added, “This is devastating for us. Local farmers who have been selling milk and vegetables to the university are now worried they will lose their market.”

Irine Too, also known as Mtetezi, a local vegetable vendor, echoed similar sentiments. “For years, we have been selling our vegetables to the university, but now, with this ongoing crisis, our businesses are suffering. We can no longer rely on them as customers,” she said. “We demand justice for those who have been wronged, and we want the university to take immediate action to reinstate the workers.”

Pressure Builds for Immediate Action

As the situation continues to unfold, the community has given a seven-day ultimatum to both the management of Moi University and the government to resolve the matter. If no action is taken to reinstate the 320 workers and pay their overdue salaries, the community has promised mass demonstrations that will disrupt university operations and potentially affect the local economy further.

Stanley Kabarak, a prominent local leader, expressed the gravity of the situation, calling on national leadership to intervene. "We are not asking for much. We simply want the workers to be reinstated and treated fairly. If the university and the government do not act, we will hold the largest demonstration the region has ever seen,” Kabarak warned.

“We are giving the university and the government seven days to act. If they fail to resolve this, we will have no choice but to take to the streets in protest,” Kabarak added. "President William Ruto must personally intervene. This is a matter of urgency, as it affects the livelihoods of so many families."

Allegations of Financial Mismanagement and Ghost Workers

The community’s concerns have also extended beyond the layoffs themselves. Local leaders have raised questions about the financial management at Moi University, alleging the presence of ghost workers on the payroll. Given that the university currently has only 6,202 students enrolled, some community members believe that the institution’s resources are being mismanaged and that there are inefficiencies in its staffing.

“There are rumors that Moi University is paying salaries to ghost workers. How can the university justify such a large payroll when the student population is so small?” said Mutai. "If the university wants to be efficient and transparent, it needs to address these concerns, and the Ministry of Higher Education should investigate the matter thoroughly."

Moreover, community leaders argue that instead of outsourcing these manual jobs, the university should prioritize hiring local workers, especially those who have lost their jobs. "These jobs are the lifeblood of our community. We cannot allow the university to outsource them to other companies, especially when those companies may not have the same ties to the region," said Kipkoech.

The Call for Local Leaders to Step Up

Local residents have also expressed disappointment in the response from their elected officials. Despite the severity of the situation, leaders such as Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii have yet to take a strong stance on the issue.

“We are surprised that our local leaders, including Governor Jonathan Bii, have remained silent. This issue affects all of us, and we need to stand together as a community,” said Kimutai Kirui, another leader in the area. “We call on Governor Bii to take action and help us find a solution that benefits the people of Uasin Gishu.”

Kirui, who has been in communication with casual laborers at the university, warned that the layoffs could lead to significant tensions between the university and the local community. "In the coming year, there may be no local residents working at Moi University. This will create conflict, and the community will lose its connection with the institution that once provided jobs and economic support,” he said. "We are asking the university to rehire the workers, especially in positions such as cleaners, security guards, and cooks. These positions should be given to local people, not outsourced to external companies.”

Legal Action on the Horizon

In light of the ongoing dispute, local leaders have made it clear that they are prepared to take the matter to court if the situation is not resolved. “If the university continues with this illegal dismissal of workers, we will have no choice but to take the matter to the Labor Court,” said Kirui. “This is an inhumane way of treating people who have served the institution for decades. We demand their reinstatement and their overdue salaries.”

With the deadline for the seven-day ultimatum rapidly approaching, tensions are rising in the community. The future of the 320 laid-off workers remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the community is united in its demand for justice, and they will not back down until they receive a fair resolution.

As the days tick by, local leaders and residents are gearing up for what could be one of the largest demonstrations the region has ever seen. With the fate of hundreds of workers and their families hanging in the balance, the pressure is mounting on Moi University and the government to act swiftly and decisively. The community’s call for justice continues to grow louder, and the coming week will be a critical turning point in this unfolding crisis.

March 18, 2025