UASIN GISHU, Kenya – The administrative and financial issues bedevilling Moi University have taken a new turn after the University Council sent Vice Chancellor Prof. Isaac Kosgey on compulsory leave.
Additionally, the newly-installed Moi University Council has sent Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic Research and Extension and Student Affairs Prof Isaac Kimengi on a one-year Sabbatical leave, while Deputy Vice Chancellor Administration Planning and Strategy Prof Eng Henry Kiriamiti has proceeded on a year sabbatical leave.
At the same time, Acting Chief of Finance Officer Joshua Koech and Senior Legal Officer Patrolina Chepkwony have been suspended.
In the interim, Prof. Kiplagat Kotut has been appointed by the University Council as the Acting Vice-Chancellor.
Who announced the new changes
The new acting VC Academic Research and Extension Student Affairs is now Prof. Khaemba Ongeti.
The changes were announced by the University Council Chairperson, Prof. Noah Midamba, during a press conference in Nairobi.
“Interviews were undertaken, and the newly-appointed scholars were identified to lead Moi University in the interim due to their outstanding impeccable credentials and experience. Their acting appointments were effective on Friday, January 31, 2025,” Prof. Midamba said.
How Prof. Isaac Kosgey was suspended
Meanwhile, in a letter by Y News, Prof. Midamba said that Prof. Kosgey’s suspension was as per Section 28 of the Employment Act (2007), the Public Service Human Resource and Procedure Manual 2016 and Clause 10 of his employment contract, which provides 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. Reference is also made to Clause 6 of the Head of Public Service letter dated September 27, 2024, Ref. No. OP/CAB.2/1, where commutation of unspent leave days to cash was disallowed,” the letter reads in part.
The letter is dated January 30, 2025, and copied to the Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Education, and Principal Secretary, State Department for Higher Learning and Research.
Prof. Midamba observed that the university is undergoing financial constraints, and the continuous accumulation of staff leave days exposes the institution to audit queries, adding that 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 on January 30, 2025, that you proceed on eight months of leave and utilise all your accumulated leave days with effect from the date of this letter.”
