Kenyatta University Set To Lay Off Hundreds Of Staff

Kenyatta University Set To Lay Off Hundreds Of StaffAs part of the restructuring process, hundreds of Kenyatta University lecturers and non-teaching staff will be laid off.Kenyatta University Vice-Chancellor Paul Wainaina announced the move in a statement, citing reduced national government funding and a harsh economic environment that has forced the university into financial distress. “In view of the disinformation that is going on in the social media regarding the proposed restructuring, it is important for the university to provide clarity and highlight some of the changes to avoid rumours,” said the VC.Prof Wainaina stated that despite rising university operating costs, capitation from the National Government has remained constant at Sh3 billion over the last few years.He stated that the decrease in the number of self-sponsored students since 2016 has caused financial difficulties.Prof Wainaina stated that in August 2021, the university will appoint a committee to examine all aspects of the university’s operations with the goal of reducing costs while maintaining educational quality.Some of the proposals being implemented include rationalization of university divisions/units with the goal of bringing efficiency and optimisation, de-establishment of academic programs attracting few students over time and merging of schools to maximize their efficiency, review of part-time teaching and empowering lecturers to take additional classes, reduction of part-time teaching, and restructuring of university campuses.Last year, the University of Nairobi announced a restructuring that resulted in the elimination of some programs and the increase of fees.The International Monetary Fund (IMF) identified Kenyatta University, the University of Nairobi, and Moi University as institutions affected by a financial distress.The Universities Academic Staff Union accused the University of Nairobi last year of uncontrolled and unnecessary expansion, which led to the institution’s financial crisis.The union also accused the university’s administration of taking out bank loans to cover its operating expenses.The university is also unable to pay its employees’ pensions and statutory deductions. To address the acute financial crises, the IMF proposed major reforms in public universities.Among the recommendations were for institutions to reduce staff and look for alternative revenue sources.Kenyatta University has the highest number of employees among higher education institutions. The university’s staff stood at 3,126 in 2020.Kenyatta University Set To Lay Off Hundreds Of Staff

Read the full article