Egerton University to Lay Off over 400 Employees

Egerton University has revealed plans to lay off over 400 employees amid financial difficulties fueled by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The move, which has received the approval of the university's council, aims at reducing the institution's wage bill by nearly Sh39 million per month, the university said in a report.

The institution's annual payroll cost currently stands at Sh464.4 million. Egerton has asked the government to provide Sh589.7 million to finance the retrenchment exercise.

Vice-chancellor Prof. Rose Mwoya said the university will only start paying full salaries if the government increases capitation. 

“From January 2021, we expect that we will be able to start paying outstanding salaries accruing since April 2020, starting with those who are retiring or leaving services for whatever reason,” she said.

The university says it has no other source of funds other than students who were sent home following the outbreak of Covid-19 in the country.

But Constantine Wasonga, the secretary-general of Universities Academic Staff Union dismissed the argument, saying Egerton has continued to offer virtual classes and is collecting fees from students. He also rubbished claims that the pandemic has hurt Egerton University more than other institutions of higher learning.

“The university should offer credible workable acceptable and creative proposals to mitigate the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, no academic jobs should be lost, " he said.