NAIROBI, Kenya — A member of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has been drawn into a Sh39 million pension dispute involving retirees of the Technical University of Kenya (TUK), reviving scrutiny over historical financial decisions made during his tenure as vice-chancellor.
IEBC commissioner Francis Odhiambo Aduol is facing questions over the handling of funds meant for retired university staff.
The dispute centres on Sh39 million that retirees claim was deducted or allocated for pension purposes but was allegedly redirected, triggering a standoff between former employees and university management.
Retirees argue the funds formed part of their retirement benefits and should have been preserved within the pension scheme.
Some have complained that payment delays have left them financially strained, and the dispute is now spilling into questions about public accountability.
Aduol, however, has denied any wrongdoing. He reportedly maintained that the money was used to support university operations during a period of financial distress, insisting that the decision was taken in the institution’s interest and not for personal gain.
He further argued that the university’s financial challenges required urgent intervention to sustain operations.
The matter has reignited long-running concerns over the financial health of the TUK pension scheme. The university’s retirement benefits structure has faced scrutiny for years, with retirees claiming outstanding payments and opaque management of contributions.
The Sh39 million dispute is seen as part of broader claims that the pension scheme accumulated significant liabilities over time.
Retirees insist accountability is necessary, arguing that pension contributions represent deferred earnings. Some have called for investigations to determine whether the funds were lawfully reallocated and whether affected beneficiaries will be compensated.
