Technical University of Kenya to lay off staff amid financial woes

Technical University of Kenya (TU-K) Council Chairman Dr Omar Farah (left) hands over instruments of power to the newly appointed Vice-Chancellor Prof. Benedict Mutua.

The Technical University of Kenya (TUK) is set to lay off some of its staff as part of its new strategic plan to cope with financial challenges and the economic downturn.

The chairperson of the University Council, Dr Omar Farah, announced the decision during the 12th graduation ceremony in Nairobi on Tuesday, where more than 2,900 students graduated.

"In the new strategic plan 2023-2027, the council will undertake staff rationalization exercises aimed at mitigating the ever-ballooning wage bill," Dr Omar said.

He attributed the move to the financial struggles facing the university, saying that the Treasury was not likely to increase funding for its recurrent budget.

"Given that the Treasury is not about to increase the level of capitation for our recurrent budget, the Council has considered every available avenue to operate within our means," he explained.

He assured the staff of the fairness and integrity of the processes, stating, "I want to assure all the staff members that the impending exercise will uphold transparency and fairness as guiding principles."

The graduation ceremony was graced by Dr. Beatrice Inyangala, the Principal Secretary for the State Department for Higher Education and Research, Ministry of Education, who represented Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu.

Dr Inyangala lauded the university for its efforts to improve its infrastructure and pledged the government's support.

"I am happy to note that considerable progress has been made in the effort to build additional accommodation facilities for students on the South B campus. Again, the university has commenced the construction of two towers, and we shall continuously support this project till its completion," she said.

The university also witnessed a leadership transition recently, with Prof. Benedict Mutua taking over as vice chancellor from Prof. Paul Shiundu, who was acting.

Dr Omar welcomed Eng. Justin Runji, Wilson Shollei, and Dr. Joseph Ole Nkamasaiai as the new TU-K Council members, following the dissolution of the previous council.

Prof. Mutua thanked the university community for their support and expressed his commitment to streamlining different sectors of the institution.