Moi University Postpones First Years' Reporting, Urges Them to Apply for HELB: "We Sincerely Regret"
- Moi University has pushed back the reopening date for first-year students, citing preparation needs and funding applications
- The institution has been grappling with a deepening financial crisis, leading to mass layoffs and asset auctions in recent months
- Staff retrenchment and the sale of vehicles, livestock, and equipment reflect the drastic measures taken to keep the university running
TUKO.co.ke journalist Harry Ivan Mboto has over three years of experience reporting on politics and current affairs in Kenya
Eldoret, Uasin Gishu: The financial struggles of Moi University appear to have taken yet another twist.
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This is after the institution announced a delay in the reporting date for first-year students just days before they were expected to arrive.
Why did Moi University postpone first years reopening?
In a memo seen by TUKO.co.ke, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Khaemba Ongeti confirmed that the opening date, initially set for Wednesday, August 13, has been moved to Thursday, August 21.
"This is to inform you that the opening date for first-year students has been rescheduled to August 21 and not as earlier communicated. We sincerely regret any inconvenience this change may cause and advise you to regularly check official university communication platforms for updates and further instructions," the memo stated in part.
The Kesses-based institution, which has been battling severe budgetary shortfalls, noted that the extension would give students more time to prepare and apply for government funding.
"You are reminded to apply for government funding, including the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) loan and scholarship, to cover your tuition fee. We wish you all the best as you prepare to join us and we look forward to receiving you," Ongeti added.
Source: Facebook
Did Moi University lay off staff?
In May, the cash-strapped university took decisive steps to cut costs, starting with the termination of contracts for hundreds of employees.
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Both lecturers and non-academic staff were affected, with the university citing overstaffing as a key factor, a problem linked to the past expansion and subsequent closure of satellite campuses.
Those laid off were promised terminal benefits, including severance pay, accrued leave days, and payment in lieu of notice, in line with the Employment Act of 2007 and relevant Collective Bargaining Agreements.
The move was sharply criticised by the University Academic Staff Union (UASU) and Kenya Universities Staff Union (KUSU), who urged affected members to gather all employment records to support potential legal challenges to the dismissals.
Did Moi University auction some of its assets?
Not long after the retrenchments, the university announced a public auction involving a diverse range of items, from motor vehicles and tractors to dairy cattle, poultry, and even beehives.
Also on the list were machinery, furniture, and equipment previously used in training and administrative functions.
The administration said the auction was aimed at raising funds and reducing maintenance costs for assets considered idle or non-essential.
Prospective buyers were invited to inspect the goods beforehand, with all sales conducted on an “as is” basis and paid in cash to the highest bidder.
Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
