Moi University has announced the disposal of cows, donkeys, and dogs in a public auction, inviting members of the public to view them from Friday, June 20 until next Monday from 9.00 A.M to 4.00 P.M.
The public auction has been scheduled for June 24, 2025.
In a notice, Moi University’s Acting Vice Chancellor Prof. Kiplagat Kotut indicated that the said animals and vehicles will be auctioned at the farmyard, main campus in Kesses, Uasin Gishu County.
“Moi University shall be selling the following items by public auction on Thursday, June 24, at the Main Campus Transport Department yard and farmyard starting at 9:30 am,” reads part of the notice.
A total of fourteen bulls and bull calves range from Ksh7,000 to Ksh70,000 each.
Moi University auction
On the other hand, the German Shepherd breed of dogs goes for Ksh40,000 each, while prices for pigs range between Ksh3,500 and Ksh7,000.
Moi University is also selling donkeys ranging from Ksh6,000 and Ksh15,000 each, a total of 30 used tyres at a reserve price of Ksh12,000 and a Toyota Hilux double-cabin pick-up valued at Ksh350,000, which has already been paid for.
The university said that the items will be sold on “As-Is-Wher-Is” basis.
All interested bidders are required to obtain a refundable bid number by way of cash of Ksh20,000.00 to be allowed to bid for motor vehicle and for other items Ksh2,000.
According to the university, the bidding amount of the successful bidder shall be retained as a deposit.
Additionally, the highest bidder, who shall be declared the purchaser, will be required to pay the auction amount failure to which the deposit shall be forfeited.
The public auction comes at a time Prof. Kiplagat Kotut confirmed Moi University’s total debt stands at Ksh8.8 billion, including pending staff loans, statutory deductions, and unpaid suppliers.
Prof. Kotut, while appearing before the Members of the National Assembly Committee on Education alongside Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor Loice Maru, further said that under the staff return-to-work agreement alone, the university owes Ksh1.6 billion.
The committee, chaired by Tinderet Member of Parliament (MP) Julius Melly, met with the two university dons to interrogate the status of ongoing institutional reforms, the university’s Ksh8.8 billion debt burden, union dues arrears, and the looming closure of its Coast Campus.
During the session, the members raised concerns over Moi University’s financial health and its handling of a staff downsizing exercise.
MPs question union dues and debt
Melly pressed the university on its financial decisions and the rationale behind the massive layoffs.
“The Committee is deeply concerned about the livelihoods of the affected staff. We want assurance that the legal procedures were followed and that the university is not using redundancy as a shortcut to evade its financial obligations,” said the MP.
In their presentation, the university officials disclosed that the right-sizing exercise began in 2022 following a review by PKF Consulting, which found the university’s financial position untenable without significant government support.
The review revealed that Moi University had been operating beyond its means due to declining student enrolment and a ballooning wage bill.
Also Read: KTDA Announces Auction of Vehicles Starting at Ksh 400,000; How to Bid
Prof. Kiplagat, on his part, told the lawmakers that redundancy was the only feasible option after other measures — including natural attrition and voluntary retirement — failed to offer the scale of savings needed.
“This was a last resort. We followed the provisions of the Employment Act and held consultations with the unions from as early as 2022,” said Prof. Kiplagat.
“We expect to save approximately Ksh120 million monthly once the exercise is complete.”
Staff redundancies
The university confirmed that 376 staff members were affected, with severance and notice pay totaling Ksh167.4 million.
Also Read: MPs Question Viability of Moi University Courses Amid Retrenchment Process
The redundancy notices were issued on May 13, 2025, sparking legal battles with unions. Court proceedings are ongoing, with a report expected by June 16.
Committee members also questioned the timing, transparency, and legal compliance of the exercise.
“You’ve laid off hundreds of staff, yet the unions say they were not adequately consulted. Was this exercise fair and humane?” asked Nyamira County Women Representative Jerusha Momanyi.
Kibra MP Peter Orero further queried the university leadership on unpaid union dues. The university admitted it owes Ksh64.9 million in unremitted union deductions — Ksh31.9 million to UASU, Ksh21.4 million to KUSU, and Ksh11.5 million to KUDHEIHA — but has resumed remittances since September 2024.
Lawmakers also raised concerns over the viability of Moi University’s academic programs. The institution operates five campuses and offers 65 undergraduate and 194 postgraduate programs, but it plans to close the Coast Campus due to low enrollment.
“We must reflect on whether the academic programs offered are aligned with national priorities and student demand,” said MP Christine Oduor, adding that the closure of campuses should be the last option.
The Acting Vice Chancellor stated that it is working closely with the State Department for Higher Education and the Pending Bills Committee to resolve the financial crisis.
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This was beautiful Admin. Thank you for your reflections.
Going viral to promote and uplift common cadre people. Pockets running dry but before then …Kenya times ..I 💷