Moi University Vice Chancellor Sent Home, Temporary Replacement Revealed
The VC had continuously accumulated his leave days past the stipulated 45 working leave days, a matter which raised concerns.
Marvin Chege 
In a significant leadership shakeup at Moi University, its Council has sent Vice Chancellor Isaac Kosgey on a compulsory 8-month annual leave effective January 30, 2025.
A letter addressed to Kosgey and obtained by Viral Tea revealed that the VC had continuously accumulated his leave days past the stipulated 45 working leave days, a matter which raised concerns.
"According to Section 28 of the Employment Act (2007), the Public Service Human Resource and Procedure Manual 2016, and Clause 10 of your employment contract provide for 45 working leave days per annum. However, it has come to the notice of the University Council that you have accumulated a substantial number of leave days equivalent to eight months," the council noted.
Moi University Vice-Chancellor Isaac Kosgey, who was sent on compulsory leave. /MOI UNIVERSITY
"The above notwithstanding, leave is necessary for rest and rejuvenation for an employee's health and performance. Based on the above, the University Council has unanimously resolved in its meeting held today on January 30, 2025, that you proceed on 8-month leave."
Speaking to the press on Saturday, February 1, Council Chairperson Noah Midamba announced that the decision was made during meetings held on Thursday and Friday of that week.
He also revealed that the university’s two Deputy Vice-Chancellors, Isaac Kimengi and Henry Kiriamiti, had been placed on a one-year sabbatical leave. Additionally, the new council suspended the university’s chief finance officer and legal officers while it waited for the results of ongoing investigations.
In the meantime, the council has designated Prof. Kiplagat Kotut as the Acting Vice-Chancellor and Prof. Khaemba Ongeti as the Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic Research, Extension, and Student Affairs. These appointments became effective on Friday, January 31.
It is worth noting that this is a new Moi University Council appointed by Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba this month, with the major assignment of bringing order to the troubled university.
In a January 17 Kenya Gazette notice, Ogamba named Ronald Wasike, Mercy Nyambura Kanyara, Edwin Sambili, and Anne Weceke Makori members of the newly formed council.
Additionally, the CS rescinded the appointments of Clara Samiji Momanyi, Christopher Khaemba, Eusilah Jepkosgei Ngeny, and Susan Amlango Aletia.
“We have begun strengthening the leadership of Moi University. We started with governance reforms, and now we are making significant leadership changes,” said Higher Education Principal Secretary Beatrice Inyangala, adding that an ongoing investigation into the university’s operations will determine whether legal action is necessary against the outgoing leadership.
She added that plans are underway to restructure the institution, ensure students graduate on time, and increase enrollment from 33,000 to 60,000. Midamba on his part outlined a two-phase reform plan, with the first 100 days focused on addressing the university’s financial crisis.
On November 21, 2024, President William Ruto, in his State of the Nation Address in Parliament, said Moi University was facing internal administration and governance issues, which he directed the leadership to fix.
