Disciplinary Process Expedited Following Ombudsman Intervention

An employee of the University of Eldoret (UoE) can breathe a sigh of relief following the conclusion of her disciplinary case and receiving her salary dues following the intervention of the Commission.

Ms. Jesang Chengwony, an employee of UoE attached to the School of Agriculture and Biotechnology, complained to the Commission alleging unfair stoppage of her salary and delay in finalising a disciplinary process against her. According to her, she was issued with a show cause letter on 17^th November 2022 by the Acting Registrar Administration on allegations of absconding duty from 8^th to 15^th November 2022. However, before she could respond to the same within the timelines given, the Ag. Registrar Administration proceeded to issue an order for the stoppage of her salary through a memo dated 17^th November 2022 to the Ag, Finance Officer which was duly effected. 

Upon responding to the show cause letter on 23^rd November 2022 and 16^th December 2022, there was a delay by the University to provide her with an update on the outcome of her matter. Due to the delay to furnish her with information concerning her case and taking cognisance of the stoppage of her salary which led to untold financial difficulty, she lodged a complaint with the Vice-Chancellor (VC) on 17^th March 2023.

The VC did not offer any assistance impelling her to seek intervention from the Commission through her the Kenya Universities Staff Union (KUSU).

The Commission by way of inquiry took up the matter with the VC, on 20^th April 2023. Following the intervention of the Commission, the disciplinary process was expedited and concluded wherein she was exonerated and ruled that she is to be paid all her accrued dues from the date of the stoppage of her salary. 

“We wish to inform you that Ms. Jesang was going through a disciplinary process as per the university procedures. The matter has therefore been heard, determined, concluded, and closed as per the university procedures,” read a letter from the VC to the Commission on 22^nd May 2023.