Public auction scheduled for June 24, 2025, at Moi University, Kesses Campus.
Moi University has officially announced it will auction off animals, tyres, and even a motor vehicle in a public sale set for Tuesday, June 24, 2025. The event is expected to begin at 9:30 a.m. at the university’s Transport and Farm Department yard located at the main Kesses Campus in Uasin Gishu County.
The announcement, made by Acting Vice Chancellor Prof. Kiplagat Kotut, comes as part of measures to generate funds for the financially troubled institution.
On the auction block are fourteen bulls and bull calves priced between Ksh7,000 and Ksh70,000, German Shepherd dogs going for Ksh40,000 each, and pigs ranging from Ksh3,500 to Ksh7,000. Also up for grabs are donkeys priced between Ksh6,000 and Ksh15,000, 30 used tyres with a reserve price of Ksh12,000, and a Toyota Hilux double-cabin vehicle valued at Ksh350,000.
All sales will be made on an “As-Is-Where-Is” basis. Interested buyers must deposit a refundable bid fee—Ksh20,000 for vehicles and Ksh2,000 for other goods. The successful bidder’s amount will be retained as part of the payment, and if they fail to pay, the deposit will be forfeited.
The auction announcement follows Prof. Kotut’s recent appearance before the National Assembly Education Committee, where he confirmed the university is facing a financial black hole of Ksh8.8 billion. This includes pending staff loans, statutory deductions, and unpaid suppliers.
The Vice Chancellor explained that Moi University owes Ksh1.6 billion under the staff return-to-work agreement alone, and admitted the university has been operating beyond its means due to reduced enrollment and an unsustainable wage bill.
During the session, MPs voiced concern over the massive layoffs and demanded transparency on how the restructuring was handled. Committee Chair Julius Melly questioned if all procedures under the Employment Act were followed.
Prof. Kotut defended the move, saying it was the last option after efforts like voluntary retirements failed. He noted that the downsizing was informed by a report from PKF Consulting in 2022, which flagged Moi University’s finances as “unsustainable.”
“We consulted unions and followed the law. With this exercise, we expect to save Ksh120 million every month,” he told the lawmakers.
Redundancy Dispute Escalates
Moi University confirmed that 376 staff were affected in the recent wave of retrenchments. Severance and notice pay are said to cost Ksh167.4 million. The university is currently embroiled in legal cases with workers’ unions after the notices were issued on May 13, 2025. A court report is expected by June 16.
Kibra MP Peter Orero raised alarm over unpaid union dues totalling Ksh64.9 million. Moi University acknowledged the debt breakdown—Ksh31.9 million to UASU, Ksh21.4 million to KUSU, and Ksh11.5 million to KUDHEIHA—but noted it resumed remittances in September 2024.
Lawmakers also questioned whether Moi University’s many academic offerings remain viable. The institution runs five campuses and offers 259 programs (65 undergraduate and 194 postgraduate). However, plans are underway to shut down the Coast Campus due to low student numbers.
MP Christine Oduor challenged the leadership to ensure all program reviews are aligned with national development goals.
Prof. Kotut concluded by stating that the university is in talks with the State Department for Higher Education and the Pending Bills Committee to find a lasting solution.
