Moi University in Eldoret has announced plans to auction off a variety of items, including livestock, used tyres, and a vehicle, as part of efforts to address its ongoing financial challenges.
In a public notice signed by Vice Chancellor Kiplagat Kotut, the university invited interested members of the public to view the items slated for auction between Friday, June 20, and Monday, June 23.
The auction is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, starting at 9:30 a.m., and will be held at two locations within the Main Campus—the Transport Department yard and the farm yard.
“Moi University shall be selling the following items by public auction on Thursday, June 24, 2025, at the Main Campus Transport Department yard and farm yard at 9:30 a.m.,” the notice reads.
Items on Sale
The university will auction a range of items, including:
- 19 cows, with prices ranging between Ksh7,000 and Ksh70,000
- 10 donkeys, priced between Ksh6,000 and Ksh15,000
- 4 German Shepherd dogs, each valued at Ksh40,000
- 3 used tyres, priced at Ksh12,000 each
- 1 Toyota Hilux vehicle, set at Ksh350,000
The university noted that final prices will vary depending on the condition of each item.
Deepening Financial Woes
The auction comes as Moi University continues to grapple with significant financial difficulties that have persisted over the years. The institution recently laid off over 376 staff members, citing an unsustainable wage bill and reduced income due to falling student admissions.
During a parliamentary session held on June 17, Members of Parliament questioned university officials over a ballooning debt estimated at Ksh8.8 billion. They also sought clarification on how the university plans to settle its debts without jeopardizing staff welfare.
Vice Chancellor Kiplagat Kotut explained that the debt comprises unpaid staff loans, unremitted statutory deductions, and amounts owed to suppliers.
“The Committee is deeply concerned about the livelihoods of the affected staff. We want assurance that the university is not using redundancy to avoid paying its debts,” said Tinderet MP Julius Melly, who chairs the National Assembly Committee on Education.
The auction is being viewed as part of the university’s broader strategy to raise funds and manage its financial crisis as scrutiny mounts over spending and accountability in public universities.
