Moi University Welcomes Over 6,000 Students Despite Being Short Of Money

Moi University has admitted 6,771 first-year students allocated through the 2025 Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS), even as the institution continues to face financial challenges that are impacting its operations.

In an official statement, Acting Vice-Chancellor Prof. Kiplagat Kotut congratulated the new students and assured them of the university’s dedication to maintaining high academic standards.

"Congratulations to the 6,771 students who have been successfully placed at Moi University through the 2025 KUCCPS Placement! This milestone marks the beginning of a transformative academic journey at our University that takes pride in nurturing leaders, innovators and change-makers," the university announced in part.

A gate leading to Moi University. /MOI UNIVERSITY

"For those who missed out, the Inter-University Transfer window will soon open, and we would be delighted to welcome you to the Moi University family. Once again, congratulations and welcome to your new Academic Home," added the statement.

Moi University, one of Kenya’s oldest and most respected public universities, has been grappling with a persistent financial crisis, marked by delayed government capitation and mounting debts that risk disrupting essential services.

The university’s staff union has repeatedly raised concerns over delayed salaries, stalled infrastructure developments, and inadequate funding for academic programs.

In May, the varsity began a mass layoff exercise by issuing redundancy letters to staff, in line with restructuring plans announced earlier this year. The university's financial constraints necessitated the layoffs, an exercise that had targeted up to 800 staff.

In a memo circulated on Wednesday, May 14, employees of the formerly renowned institution were notified of their looming termination and instructed to collect official letters confirming their layoffs.

"We regret to inform you that due to financial constraints currently facing the University, a decision has been made to implement a Right-Sizing Exercise, which we have carried out in compliance with Section 40 of the Employment Act, 2007 and the provisions of the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement," the memo read in part.

A report submitted to Parliament’s Education Committee identified Moi University as one of the most financially troubled public universities in Kenya, with outstanding debts amounting to Ksh8.8 billion.

The committee noted that the university’s liabilities have surpassed its assets, making it technically insolvent since 2016. The institution owes billions in unpaid pensions, staff loans, statutory deductions, and supplier payments.

In June, the university announced plans to auction livestock, old tyres, and a vehicle through a public auction in a bid to raise funds.

Moi University staff during a past strike over salary arrears. /HUBZ MEDIA