Moi University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Isaac Kosgey, has been directed to take an eight-month compulsory leave, effective January 30, as part of an ongoing management restructuring at the institution.
Addressing the media on Saturday, February 1, University Council Chairperson Noah Midamba stated that the decision was reached following a council meeting held over two days, Thursday and Friday.
According to Midamba, Kosgey had accumulated a significant number of leave days since assuming office, which raised concerns during an inquiry into the university’s management practices. He further noted that the accumulation of excessive leave days had exposed the university to audit scrutiny.
Citing legal and employment guidelines, Midamba referenced Section 28 of the Employment Act (2007), the Public Service Human Resource and Procedure Manual (2016), and Kosgey’s employment contract, all of which stipulate an annual leave entitlement of 45 working days.
“The University Council has observed that the Vice Chancellor has accumulated leave equivalent to eight months. Leave is not only a right but also necessary for an employee’s well-being and productivity,” Midamba stated.
Following these findings, the council unanimously resolved that Kosgey should proceed on leave immediately.
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Media Observer
The restructuring also saw Deputy Vice-Chancellors Isaac Kimengi and Henry Kiriamiti sent on a one-year sabbatical. Additionally, the university’s chief finance officer and legal officers were suspended pending the outcome of ongoing investigations.
To ensure continuity in leadership, the council appointed Prof. Kiplagat Kotut as the acting Vice Chancellor.
The changes follow the appointment of a new university council by Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba earlier in January. The new council was tasked with restoring stability at the university.
A Kenya Gazette notice dated January 17 confirmed the appointment of new council members, including Ronald Wasike, Mercy Nyambura Kanyara, Edwin Sambili, and Anne Weceke Makori. The notice also revoked the appointments of previous council members Clara Samiji Momanyi, Christopher Khaemba, Eusilah Jepkosgei Ngeny, and Susan Amlango Aletia.
