Moi University struggles with declining students' enrolment, unpaid salaries
Student enrolment has plunged from 48,000 in 2015 to just 21,000 currently, a decline that has sharply reduced tuition income and intensified financial pressures.
Moi University is struggling with a deepening crisis marked by falling student numbers, unpaid staff salaries, and heavy reliance on government support, raising concerns about the institution’s long-term stability.
Student enrolment has plunged from 48,000 in 2015 to just 21,000 currently, a decline that has sharply reduced tuition income and intensified financial pressures.
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The university has admitted that it is unable to meet its wage bill despite receiving additional funds from the National Treasury, prompting plans to lay off hundreds of employees as part of a wider restructuring programme.
Acting Vice Chancellor Kiplagat Kotut said the reorganisation is intended to stabilise operations and return the university to a self-sustaining model.
“Although the restructuring process may be painful, it is aimed at reclaiming the lost glory of the university. It is regrettable that we are currently totally dependent on the government to manage our operations. The reorganisation will make the university self-sustaining,” he explained according to Daily Nation.
Amid the financial turmoil, the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) has issued a strike notice, threatening to halt teaching activities from Wednesday if the university does not meet its obligations.
“All UASU members at Moi University shall withdraw their labour and shall not resume duty until the return-to-work formula is fully implemented, the June and July 2025 salaries are paid in full, and the National Collective Bargaining Agreement 2021–2025 is honoured,” said UASU National Secretary-General Constantine Wasonga in a letter addressed to council chairperson Prof Noah Midamba.
The union accused the university of reneging on a return-to-work formula that had ended a three-month strike earlier this year. Under that agreement, Sh2.6 billion in cash and assets were secured, including an immediate release of Sh500 million.
Additionally, the 2021–2027 CBA allocated Sh7.7 billion for implementation in two phases of Sh4.3 billion and Sh5.2 billion in the 2025/2026 and 2027/2028 financial years, respectively.
UASU chapter organising secretary Ojuki Nyabuta called on lecturers to defend their rights.
“We appeal to academics of all ranks and ages to come out and champion their rights. No single person in any rank can sit comfortably with the situation at hand,” he said.
The strike notice comes at a critical time as the university prepares to admit first-year students for the 2025–2026 academic year.
The potential shutdown highlights the multiple challenges facing Moi University: declining enrolment, a dependence on government funds, staff unrest, and a restructuring process designed to reduce costs while attempting to stabilise the institution’s operations.
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