ELDORET, Kenya – The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has summoned members of Moi University’s Council to provide statements regarding 11 multimillion-shilling projects under investigation.
The inquiry, focusing on alleged irregularities in projects worth Sh2 billion, comes amid growing scrutiny over the financial and operational challenges facing the institution.
EACC North Rift Regional Manager Charles Rasugu confirmed the investigation, which covers projects such as the construction of the School of Public Health, Dentistry, and Nursing, valued at Sh726.4 million, and a library at Annex Campus costing Sh1.1 billion.
Additional projects under scrutiny include electrical installations, air conditioning systems, and consultancy services tied to these developments.
To facilitate the probe, council members have been scheduled for interviews at EACC’s Eldoret offices.
Chairman Dr. Humphrey K. Njuguna and council member Prof. Clara Samiji Momanyi are set to appear on November 27, while Charles Obiero, representing the Ministry of Education, and Isaac Memusi, representing the National Treasury, will follow on November 28.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Isaac Kosgey was recently questioned for over 10 hours as part of the investigation.
Speaking after the session, Kosgey expressed confidence in clarifying the university’s position.
“We had a constructive engagement with EACC and provided explanations on the ongoing projects. I will soon invite the media for further updates on the matter,” he said.
So far, 59 individuals, including university officials, contractors, and other stakeholders, have recorded statements.
EACC emphasized that any parties found culpable will face legal action.
The probe into the capital development projects comes as Moi University grapples with severe financial difficulties.
Dr. Njuguna highlighted the challenges in a statement, noting that declining government funding and reduced student enrollment have strained the institution’s finances.
He pointed to structural issues, including the 2016 reforms to the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE), which eliminated revenue from privately sponsored students.
Additionally, the university’s student placement for the 2024/25 academic year fell drastically short of its 14,000 capacity, with only 6,000 students enrolling.
“The mismatch between revenue and expenditure has exacerbated our financial crisis,” Njuguna said, adding that plans are underway to optimize underutilized resources.
In a bid to stabilize the institution, the council has engaged government agencies and secured commitments for Sh3.5 billion in financial support.
However, the implementation of long-term solutions, including repurposing unused capacity, is expected to take effect in the 2025/26 academic year.
Njuguna dismissed allegations of Sh2.2 billion being squandered on the capital projects under investigation, explaining that some projects had not commenced due to delays in government funding.
Despite the turmoil, Njuguna assured stakeholders of the council’s commitment to restoring normalcy.
He cited ongoing negotiations with staff unions and consultations with government entities to address Moi University’s systemic issues.
“We are focused on achieving long-term stability and sustainability for the institution,” he said, emphasizing the importance of stakeholder collaboration in overcoming Moi University’s challenges.
The inquiry, focusing on alleged irregularities in projects worth Sh2 billion, comes amid growing scrutiny over the financial and operational challenges facing the institution.
EACC North Rift Regional Manager Charles Rasugu confirmed the investigation, which covers projects such as the construction of the School of Public Health, Dentistry, and Nursing, valued at Sh726.4 million, and a library at Annex Campus costing Sh1.1 billion.
Additional projects under scrutiny include electrical installations, air conditioning systems, and consultancy services tied to these developments.
To facilitate the probe, council members have been scheduled for interviews at EACC’s Eldoret offices.
Chairman Dr. Humphrey K. Njuguna and council member Prof. Clara Samiji Momanyi are set to appear on November 27, while Charles Obiero, representing the Ministry of Education, and Isaac Memusi, representing the National Treasury, will follow on November 28.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Isaac Kosgey was recently questioned for over 10 hours as part of the investigation.
Speaking after the session, Kosgey expressed confidence in clarifying the university’s position.
“We had a constructive engagement with EACC and provided explanations on the ongoing projects. I will soon invite the media for further updates on the matter,” he said.
So far, 59 individuals, including university officials, contractors, and other stakeholders, have recorded statements.
EACC emphasized that any parties found culpable will face legal action.
The probe into the capital development projects comes as Moi University grapples with severe financial difficulties.
Dr. Njuguna highlighted the challenges in a statement, noting that declining government funding and reduced student enrollment have strained the institution’s finances.
He pointed to structural issues, including the 2016 reforms to the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE), which eliminated revenue from privately sponsored students.
Additionally, the university’s student placement for the 2024/25 academic year fell drastically short of its 14,000 capacity, with only 6,000 students enrolling.
“The mismatch between revenue and expenditure has exacerbated our financial crisis,” Njuguna said, adding that plans are underway to optimize underutilized resources.
In a bid to stabilize the institution, the council has engaged government agencies and secured commitments for Sh3.5 billion in financial support.
However, the implementation of long-term solutions, including repurposing unused capacity, is expected to take effect in the 2025/26 academic year.
Njuguna dismissed allegations of Sh2.2 billion being squandered on the capital projects under investigation, explaining that some projects had not commenced due to delays in government funding.
Despite the turmoil, Njuguna assured stakeholders of the council’s commitment to restoring normalcy.
He cited ongoing negotiations with staff unions and consultations with government entities to address Moi University’s systemic issues.
“We are focused on achieving long-term stability and sustainability for the institution,” he said, emphasizing the importance of stakeholder collaboration in overcoming Moi University’s challenges.
