The Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) has moved to court to stop Moi University from executing mass layoffs, citing unfair labor practices and lack of stakeholder consultation.
The union argues that the decision could have devastating impacts on staff livelihoods and the quality of education offered.
According to reports, Moi University student numbers have dropped from 50,000 in 2015 to 27,000 in 2021 and about 4,800 in 2024 against a capacity of 15,000 students, prompting the mass layoffs.
University Vice Chancellor Prof Kiplagat Kotut disclosed that the management will engage the affected employees and their union representatives under the law and the UASU CBA.
This legal challenge comes amid ongoing financial struggles at the institution, sparking national debate about the future of public universities in Kenya.
