On a crisp morning in Eldoret, Moi University Vice-Chancellor Professor Isaac Kosgey arrived at the offices of the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) for an interview and statement recording over several ongoing investigations related to the management of the institution. Kosgey, who arrived at approximately 9:35 am, was driven to the EACC offices in a probox vehicle and promptly signed the visitor’s book before entering the office. Despite his calm demeanor, the visit is part of a much larger investigation into the university’s financial dealings and construction projects, which are valued at over Sh2.2 billion.
Kosgey, along with other senior university officials, has been summoned to explain the financial management of several projects that are under scrutiny. These include significant infrastructure developments at the university, such as the construction of a School of Public Health, Dentistry, and Nursing, with an allocated budget of Sh726.4 million. Additionally, the university’s Library Phase II at the Annex Campus, which is costing Sh1.1 billion, is also under investigation, as are various electrical and mechanical installations connected to these projects.
The EACC’s Deputy Director, Charles Rasugu, confirmed Kosgey’s arrival at the commission’s offices in Eldoret, emphasizing that the interview and statement-writing process would provide clarity on the projects in question. Kosgey, who had reportedly been invited for an interview regarding the alleged mismanagement, promised the press that he would address the media once the formalities of the interview were completed. “Let me finish, then I will talk with you out here,” Kosgey told the gathered journalists.
The investigations are focusing on several contracts related to these projects, some of which have come under intense scrutiny due to irregularities in their procurement processes. The EACC is looking into the construction of an amphitheater at the main campus, consultancy services for various construction projects, and the mechanical and air conditioning components of the library project at a reported cost exceeding Sh35 million. The EACC has requested detailed documents related to these projects, including contracts and meeting minutes that authorized the work.
In addition to Kosgey, other senior university officials, such as Moses Kipkulei (Head of Development), Wilson Bett (Head of Procurement), and Egla Samoei (Chief Accountant), have also been invited for interviews and to provide statements in connection with the investigations. The involvement of these key figures indicates the gravity of the situation, suggesting that the commission is seeking a comprehensive understanding of how funds allocated for these projects were utilized.
This interrogation comes at a time when Moi University is grappling with a significant internal crisis. Lecturers, staff, and other university employees are currently on strike, demanding the payment of Sh12 billion in salary arrears. This strike has paralyzed the institution, leaving students stranded as learning activities come to a halt. The strike has highlighted the financial instability at the university, with workers claiming that the institution’s management, including senior leadership, has mismanaged funds meant for both operational costs and development projects.
The combination of a stagnant learning environment, ongoing strikes, and the EACC’s probe into corruption allegations has placed the institution under a cloud of uncertainty. Students, who had hoped for a timely resolution to the ongoing crises, now face an indefinite delay in their academic schedules. While the university leadership maintains that they are committed to resolving these issues, the mounting pressure from workers and the ongoing investigations are likely to take their toll.
As the EACC’s investigations continue, the fate of Moi University’s leadership remains uncertain. The outcome of these probes could have significant implications for the institution’s future, its finances, and its reputation. The university community, as well as the public, will be keenly watching how these developments unfold.
