The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has summoned four members of the Moi University Council for interviews and statement recording as part of an ongoing investigation into several high-value projects at the institution. The projects, valued at approximately Sh2 billion, are under scrutiny due to concerns over financial management and transparency.
The summons were issued by Charles Rasugu, the EACC North Rift Regional Manager, who confirmed that the inquiry involves 11 projects, including the proposed construction of a School of Public Health, Dentistry, and Nursing. The commission is also investigating other significant developments at the university, such as the construction of a new library and electrical installations at various campuses.
The council members set to appear before the EACC include Dr. Humphrey K. Njuguna, the Council Chairman, who will attend an interview on November 27, alongside Prof. Clara Samiji Momanyi, a council member. Charles Obiero, representing the Ministry of Education, and Isaac Memusi, representing the Treasury, are scheduled to appear on November 28.
The investigation covers several major projects, including the construction of the School of Public Health, Dentistry, and Nursing, which has a budget of Sh726.4 million. Other projects under investigation include the expansion of the Library Phase II at Annex Campus (Sh1.1 billion), electrical installations at the School of Public Health (Sh148 million), and similar works at the Library annex (Sh169 million). Notably, there are concerns over mechanical and air conditioning costs exceeding Sh35 million for components of the library project.
Additionally, the EACC is scrutinizing an amphitheater construction project at the main campus and consultancy services linked to the various developments. So far, 59 individuals, including Vice Chancellor Isaac Kosgey, have recorded statements with the commission. Kosgey, who was questioned for over 10 hours at the EACC Eldoret office on November 20, has defended the projects, stating that he has provided necessary clarifications and will soon address the media to offer further insights.
The inquiry comes at a time when Moi University is grappling with severe financial challenges. The Council has already confirmed that ongoing engagements with various stakeholders are intended to ensure the university’s long-term sustainability, despite facing immense financial pressures. Chairman Njuguna, in a statement, acknowledged the institution’s struggle with inadequate finances, largely due to a reduction in government funding over the past decade. The government’s capitation grants have fallen sharply, from a projected 80% of program costs to approximately 38%, creating a significant shortfall.
In addition to the funding cuts, the university has seen a drastic decline in student enrollment, particularly in its undergraduate programs, which traditionally form the bulk of its revenue base. For the 2024-25 academic year, only 6,000 first-year students have been placed at Moi University, despite a declared capacity of over 14,000. Njuguna noted that the institution faces a mismatch between its revenue and expenditures, which has compounded its financial crisis.
The Council has been in discussions with various government agencies, including the Ministry of Education, the National Treasury, and the Executive Office of the President, to secure an initial financial support package of about Sh3.5 billion. This support is intended to address the immediate financial gap and other pressing issues facing the university.
However, Njuguna was quick to refute claims that over Sh2.2 billion was misused in capital development projects. He clarified that this figure represents the total estimated cost of the projects under investigation, some of which have not yet started, while others are awaiting government funding.
The ongoing investigation and the university’s financial woes highlight the broader challenges facing the institution. Despite the difficulties, the Council remains committed to ensuring that academic activities return to normal and is working closely with staff unions to find a solution that balances student welfare and the institution’s financial recovery. The outcome of the EACC investigation will be critical in determining the next steps for Moi University and the responsible parties involved in the questioned projects.
