NAIROBI, Kenya — The Commission on Administrative Justice has secured payment of Sh508,914 for a lecturer at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology following what it described as a prolonged administrative delay.
In a statement issued by its Corporate Communications Division, the Commission said the lecturer, identified as Mr. A.O., lodged a complaint alleging inordinate delay and lack of response from the university regarding payment of his dues.
According to the Commission, the lecturer had served at the institution for eight years. Despite making several requests for payment during that period, he reportedly received no formal response from the university’s finance department.
The complainant also indicated that he had sought to convert part of the outstanding amount into tuition fees for some of his dependents enrolled at the institution. That request was declined.
In his submission to the Commission, he expressed frustration over the delay. He stated that even during a period when his parents were unwell and following the passing of his mother, the university did not respond to his inquiries. He further questioned the criteria used in processing the payment and the manner in which he had been treated.
Upon receiving the complaint, the Commission initiated inquiries with the Vice-Chancellor of JKUAT. The initial correspondence did not elicit a response. The Commission subsequently issued two reminders to the university’s leadership.
Following the intervention, the university responded and confirmed that the payment had been processed. In its communication, the institution indicated that Sh508,914 had been disbursed to the lecturer as part-time payment, constituting full settlement of the outstanding dues owed to him.
The Commission on Administrative Justice, established under Article 59(4) of the Constitution and operationalised through the Commission on Administrative Justice Act, is mandated to investigate maladministration in public institutions.
Its functions include addressing delay, abuse of power, unfair treatment, and failure to respond to citizens’ concerns.
Public universities, as state corporations, are bound by Article 232 of the Constitution on values and principles of public service, including responsiveness, accountability, and transparency. Delayed payment of lawful dues may amount to administrative injustice where institutions fail to offer timely explanations or remedies.
