National Assembly Education Committee Chairman, Julius Melly, has strongly criticized Moi University management for laying off casual workers, terming the move as a violation of prior agreements with education stakeholders. Speaking in Eldoret, the Tindiret MP expressed disappointment over the university’s decision, which he believes undermines efforts to restore the institution’s former prestige.
According to Melly, a well-structured plan had been developed to address the issue of excess staff at the university without resorting to layoffs. This agreement was reached in collaboration with stakeholders as part of broader efforts to stabilize Moi University, which has been grappling with financial challenges in recent years.
“We agreed on how to deal with excess staff without sending anyone home. I have been told there are people who have been sacked. We agreed on a formula of how to disengage them. We have a very clear exit formula for all the workers in this university. We want this university to regain its lost glory,” said Melly.
The MP further stated that the government has already injected Ksh. 2 billion into the institution and plans to release additional funds to assist in overcoming its financial crisis. He emphasized that the agreed-upon exit strategy involved natural attrition, whereby retiring staff would not be replaced, rather than outright dismissals.
“We agreed to develop an exit plan where when someone retires, a new staff is not hired. We did not say people should be sacked,” Melly reiterated.
The lawmaker urged the affected workers and the local community to remain calm, calling on residents to suspend their planned demonstrations. He assured them that he would engage with the acting Vice Chancellor and the university’s board to address the issue and seek a resolution.
Melly’s remarks underscore the tension surrounding Moi University’s financial restructuring, as concerns grow over job security for staff. The university has been navigating financial constraints that have affected its operations, leading to difficult decisions regarding personnel management.
As stakeholders await further engagement with the institution’s leadership, the focus remains on ensuring that Moi University recovers while upholding fair labor practices and honoring prior agreements.
