Crisis at Moi University, University of Nairobi raises concern on fate of Kenya’s higher education

By Muema Kelvis 

On Wednesday this week, hundreds of employees at Moi University have been handed redundancy letters, with the university’s administration saying the institution is overstretched both in workforce and finances. 

The acting Deputy Vice Chancellor Prof. Loice Maru said the university is conducting a "right sizing" exercise due to serious financial pressure. Staff are expected to receive severance packages, but the sudden layoffs have left many families uncertain and shaken.

"We regret to inform you that due to financial constraints currently facing the University, a decision has been made to implement a Right-Sizing Exercise, which we have carried out in compliance with Section 40 of the Employment Act, 2007 and the provisions of the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement," the notice to workers at Moi University reads in part.

On the other hand, at the University of Nairobi, a different storm is brewing. Senior officials are locked in a tug-of-war over control of key university assets, reportedly worth over Ksh.200 billion. These internal battles have stalled management processes even as the university struggles to fill financial gaps. 

A report presented before Parliament’s Education Committee on universities with the highest accumulated debts placed the University of Nairobi at the top with a pending bill burden of Ksh.13.2 billion.

At the same time a leadership row has rocked UoN, with the Ministry of Education failing to agree on who should assume the position of Vice-Chancellor. 

The twin crises at the two leading learning institutions paint a bleak picture for public universities in Kenya. Once beacons of academic excellence, these institutions are now haunted by debt, staff unrest, and deteriorating infrastructure. Analysts warn that without urgent intervention, the country's higher education sector may face irreversible damage.

The turmoil at Moi  University and UoN raises deeper questions about the sustainability of Kenya's higher education model. With more students enrolling each year and reduced funding from the exchequer, universities are being pushed to the brink.

For now, the future of thousands of students, faculty members, and the broader academic ecosystem hangs in the balance a stark reminder that the collapse of public universities could have lasting consequences for Kenya’s development.