Moi University to lay off staff as cash crunch persists
Those affected will be entitled to severance pay, salary in lieu of notice, payment for accrued leave days and any other unpaid benefits due to them
Moi University has announced its intentions to cut down staff in retrenchment exercise as the financial crisis at the second oldest institution of higher learning refuses to go away.
A letter seen by Informer Media Group, signed by Acting University Vice-Chancellor Prof Kiplagat Kotut reveals that an unknown number of members of staff would directly be affected.
The decision is expected to paralyse operations in the North Rift based institute situated in Kesses constituency in Uasin Gishu County.
The letter, titled: “Notice of Intention to declare Redundancy, which was addressed to the University Academic Staff Union, said members of the union are among those to be affected. It did not, however, specify what sections of the employees will be affected.
The letter reads in part; “In accordance with Section 40 of the Employment Act 2007, Laws of Kenya and the provisions of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between Moi University and the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) we hereby give formal notice of an intention to declare redundancy affecting a number of employees who are members of your Union.”
“The decision has been necessitated by a reduction of revenue brought about by decline in student numbers. This has created a difficult operating environment, making it a challenge for the University to meet its financial obligations including payment of employee emoluments. As a result we are compelled to review our operations and adjust the workforce accordingly so as to ensure sustainability of the University.”
The University administration confirmed that during the notice period, it will endeavor to engage in broader consultations with the affected employees and their Union representatives, in accordance with the law and the UASU CBA.
“Our objective is to explore, all possible alternatives to limit the impact of the redundancy, including potential redeployment if need be or even other emerging roles where possible,” it says
It also stated that it will ensure full compliance with the provisions of the Employment Act, individual contracts and the UASU CBA 2012/2013. The employees to affected will be entitled to severance pay, salary in lieu of notice, payment for accrued leave days and any other unpaid benefits due to them.
“All necessary deductions will be made in accordance with the applicable statutory requirements. The details of the employees that shall be affected and the proposed timeline for the redundancy process will be communicated in due course,” the letter says..
The University has in the past been mired in a series of mishaps that necessitated changes at the helm with renowned Educationist Prof. Noah Midamba to serve as the Chairman of the University Council.
