The council of Moi University has expressed optimism about resolving the institution’s ongoing financial and administrative challenges, despite acknowledging that these issues will take time to fully address. In a statement released to the media, Dr. Humphrey Kimani Njuguna, Chairman of the university council, emphasized that while immediate solutions may not be feasible, the university is committed to a sustainable path forward. This assurance comes after a tumultuous period for the university, marked by a temporary closure, subsequent reopening, and unrest among staff members due to industrial action.
Dr. Njuguna explained that the difficulties currently faced by Moi University are the result of long-standing issues, particularly financial constraints. Over the past decade, the institution has struggled to generate enough revenue to cover its operational expenses, a situation worsened by external factors such as reduced government funding and declining student enrollment.
One of the major factors behind the financial difficulties, according to Dr. Njuguna, is the decrease in government grants through the capitation model. The introduction of the differentiated unit cost model for university funding has seen the government progressively reduce the percentage of funding allocated to institutions like Moi University. Initially, the government was expected to contribute up to 80% of the cost of an academic program, but this has now dwindled to approximately 38%. The university was expected to bridge the remaining 42% gap through its internal revenues, primarily relying on privately sponsored students. However, a significant blow came in 2016 with the introduction of reforms to the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE), which saw the elimination of the privately sponsored student program, thereby cutting off a vital revenue stream.
In addition to the funding shortfall, Moi University has also experienced a sharp decline in student enrollment. For the 2024-25 academic year, the university admitted around 6,000 first-year students, far below its capacity of over 14,000. With over 47,000 applicants for undergraduate programs, there is a clear mismatch between the institution’s capacity and actual enrollment. This gap has further exacerbated the financial strain.
Dr. Njuguna acknowledged that the university’s excess capacity presents a challenge but also an opportunity for future growth. The council has already engaged with relevant government agencies to explore ways to better utilize this excess capacity, though any viable solution is expected to take effect in the 2025-26 academic year.
Despite these hurdles, the university has received assurances of financial support. The Ministry of Education, the National Treasury, the Executive Office of the President, local leadership, and the National Assembly Committee on Education have all committed to providing an initial financial support package of Sh3.5 billion. This funding is intended to address some of the immediate financial challenges facing the institution and help stabilize its operations in the short term.
Further clarifying the issue of capital development projects, Dr. Njuguna rejected reports suggesting that over Sh2.2 billion had been misappropriated in these ventures. He explained that this amount represents the total cost of various projects under scrutiny, some of which have not yet commenced or are awaiting government disbursement of funds.
As the university grapples with these financial and operational challenges, Dr. Njuguna stressed that the council remains committed to restoring normalcy to the academic calendar. Ongoing consultations with staff unions are aimed at finding a mutually beneficial resolution that prioritizes the welfare of students while addressing the concerns of faculty and staff.
In conclusion, while the road to recovery for Moi University may be long, the council is hopeful that with continued government support, strategic reforms, and careful financial management, the institution can overcome its current difficulties and pave the way for a more stable future. The promise of financial backing, alongside efforts to address enrollment disparities, marks the beginning of a gradual but necessary transformation for the university.
