Governor Jonathan Bii Appeals to Ruto to Rescue Moi University After 200 Staff Lose Jobs

Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii has appealed to President William Ruto to intervene in the worsening crisis at Moi University, warning that the institution is struggling with staff layoffs, low morale and growing frustration among students.

Bii made the appeal on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, during Madaraka Day celebrations at Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret, where he called on the national government to take urgent action to prevent further deterioration at the public university.

The governor painted a troubling picture of the institution, saying its challenges had affected both employees and students. He disclosed that more than 200 workers had lost their jobs as the university continued to experience difficulties.

According to Bii, the situation has left staff demoralised and students frustrated, raising concerns about the institution’s stability and its ability to serve learners and the wider North Rift region effectively.

“Mr. President, Moi University is going down on your watch. Students are frustrated, workers are depressed, and more than 200 employees have lost their jobs. The institution is in a total mess. Please, Mr. President, intervene and rescue this institution. It is one of the biggest educational institutions in our region. Don’t watch it sink, Mr. President,” Bii said.

His remarks placed the university’s challenges at the centre of his address, with the governor urging Ruto to give the institution the attention needed to address its difficulties.

Moi University is an important higher education institution in the North Rift region, serving students from different parts of Kenya. The concerns raised by Bii point to the wider impact that prolonged institutional difficulties can have on employees, learners and the communities that depend on the university.

The governor did not limit his appeal to education matters. He also raised concerns about land ownership in Uasin Gishu County, asking the national government to accelerate the issuance of title deeds to farmers who are yet to receive formal documentation for their land.

Bii said resolving the title deed issue would help residents secure ownership of their farms, an important concern in a county where agriculture plays a significant role in the local economy.

He further encouraged Kenyans to embrace the government’s affordable housing programme, arguing that providing alternative residential options could help protect productive agricultural land from being converted into housing developments.

The governor also acknowledged the national government’s support for the agricultural sector and reaffirmed the North Rift region’s commitment to contributing to Kenya’s economic growth.

His address brought together three major concerns affecting the region: the future of Moi University, the need to resolve outstanding land ownership issues and the protection of agricultural land amid growing housing needs.

However, Bii’s appeal placed particular emphasis on Moi University, with his warning that more than 200 employees had already lost their jobs adding urgency to his call for presidential intervention.

He urged Ruto not to allow the institution’s situation to deteriorate further, saying its importance to the region made its recovery a matter of concern for both the university community and the wider public.

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