Egerton University Leads in Salary Arrears
Egerton University Leads in Salary Arrears and Looming Job Cuts for Public Workers.
Egerton University has been grappling with significant financial challenges, leading to substantial salary arrears and potential staff redundancies. As of January 2025, the university owes over KSh1 billion in deferred salaries to approximately 600 lecturers. This situation has resulted in many staff members receiving only 60% of their salaries, with some owed more than KSh2 million each.
In response to these financial difficulties, the university has announced plans to lay off more than 1,500 employees across various departments. This decision aims to reduce the monthly wage bill, which exceeds KSh200 million. The university’s management has stated that the redundancy process will be conducted fairly and in accordance with the law.
These developments have raised concerns among staff and unions, who have called for immediate intervention to address the financial crisis and ensure the payment of full salaries. The situation highlights the broader challenges faced by public universities in Kenya, including financial mismanagement and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on revenue generation.
The university’s financial difficulties have also led to legal actions, with the Vice-Chancellor and members of the University Council previously found guilty of contempt of court for failing to pay lecturers their full salaries. This has further intensified the pressure on the university’s management to resolve the financial issues promptly.
Egerton University is facing a critical financial situation, leading to unpaid salaries and potential staff layoffs. The university’s management is under pressure to implement effective solutions to address these challenges and ensure the well-being of its staff.
