High Court Stops Moi University’s Dismissal Of Over 900 Staff
The High Court has temporarily halted Moi University’s plans to lay off over 900 employees due to a financial problem.
Justice Maurine Onyango of the Employment and Labour Relations Court has suspended all redundancy letters issued thus far, pending the hearing of a complaint filed by the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU).
“The application will be mentioned on May 28th, 2025, for further directions,” said Justice Onyango.
The case was filed in court by UASU’s Moi University Chapter, led by Chairman Busolo Wegesa.
The High Court has issued a temporary order stopping Moi University from proceeding with plans to declare more than 900 employees redundant.#starkenyanews pic.twitter.com/YbiXkoGi8Y
— TheStarKenya (@TheStarKenya) May 16, 2025
The union is attempting to stop the institution from proceeding with the redundancy process, claiming it violates earlier court orders.
UASU says that the redundancy exercise is illegal and faulty, and it has asked the court to intervene before any further action is taken.
Moi University issued redundancy letters to more than 900 workers on Thursday, citing financial limitations.
The letters, some signed by acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor Loyce Maru, advised concerned employees that their positions had been identified for redundancy after a review of the university’s operational and budgetary requirements.
The letters said that termination of employment would take effect 30 days from the date of issuance.
Moi University Fires Staff:
— Citizen TV Kenya (@citizentvkenya) May 15, 2025
Mass sacking of employees at troubled Moi University
University has declared over 800 employees redundant
UASU moves to court seeking to stop the sackings
Nyabuta: The institution ignored a court order #CitizenTonight @SamGituku pic.twitter.com/xIFrgHxxCC
Employees were also advised that they would receive all terminal benefits under the Employment Act of 2007 and the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs).
The layoffs affect 372 KUDHEIHA members, 380 KUSU members, and 120 UASU lecturers.
UASU has condemned the move, calling it unlawful and unprocedural. Deputy Secretary for the Moi University UASU Chapter, Nyabuta Ojuki, said the university had failed to follow the legal process.
“The redundancies are illegal because the university has not followed laid-down procedures in the law,” he said.
Both KUDHEIHA and KUSU have indicated that they intend to contest the layoffs in court.
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Despite the outcry, Moi University insists that it is following Section 40 of the Employment Act and applicable CBAs.
The institution has agreed to reimburse affected employees through their bank accounts, but no date has been set for the payments.
The redundancy letters also encouraged employees to return any university property in their possession by their last working day to enable a smooth transition.
Moi University is facing a financial problem and is estimated to be in debt for more than Sh12 billion.
High Court Stops Moi University’s Dismissal Of Over 900 Staff
