The Vice Chancellor of Moi University, Professor Isaac Kosgey, has been summoned by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to answer to allegations of embezzlement and financial mismanagement that have rocked the institution. The EACC is investigating claims of fraudulent infrastructural projects that are believed to have siphoned more than Sh2.2 billion from the university’s funds. The commission has set a date for Professor Kosgey to appear at its Eldoret offices on November 20, 2024, at 9 am to respond to the serious accusations.
According to a statement released by the EACC, the investigation centers around the mismanagement of public funds, specifically related to infrastructural projects valued at Sh2,189,659,497.88. These funds are suspected to have been diverted through corrupt practices, leading to significant losses for the university. Professor Kosgey, along with three other senior officials, has been asked to provide detailed explanations concerning the handling of these funds.
The EACC’s spokesman, Eric Ngumbi, confirmed the summons and emphasized that the commission is closely monitoring public institutions, especially universities, where corruption and unethical practices appear to be flourishing. Ngumbi added that the commission had found that some officials at the university had attempted to interfere with the investigations, further complicating the matter. The alleged obstruction includes the failure to provide key documents, despite several reminders from the EACC.
In addition to questioning the Vice Chancellor, the EACC has instructed Professor Kosgey to submit various original documents, including the minutes of 18 special meetings that were held at the university. The failure to present these documents may indicate an attempt to cover up illicit activities, raising suspicions about the extent of the corruption within the institution’s top management.
The allegations against Professor Kosgey and the implicated officials come at a time when Moi University is facing severe financial crises. The university, once regarded as one of the top institutions in Kenya, is now on the brink of collapse, with debts exceeding Sh20 billion. A significant portion of this debt, Sh12 billion, is owed to striking lecturers who have not been paid their dues for several months. The ongoing lecturers’ strike, which has paralyzed academic activities, highlights the dire state of Moi University’s finances and the erosion of trust in its leadership.
The university’s financial woes are compounded by the revelation that there may have been intentional mismanagement of funds intended for critical infrastructural development. If the investigations prove that these funds were misappropriated or used fraudulently, it would represent a grave blow not only to the university’s reputation but also to the broader educational sector in Kenya. The government and the public will be watching closely to see how the EACC handles this case and whether the implicated officials will face any legal consequences.
In recent years, public universities in Kenya have been under increasing scrutiny due to rising cases of corruption and financial mismanagement. The EACC’s intensified focus on these institutions comes amid growing concerns over how public funds are being utilized. Many universities, including Moi University, have faced mounting debts, unaccounted for expenditure, and corruption scandals that continue to undermine their ability to offer quality education.
The outcome of the investigation into Moi University could set a precedent for other public universities in Kenya, signaling that the government is committed to holding top officials accountable for the management of public funds. As the university grapples with its financial crisis, the EACC’s probe offers an opportunity to address the corruption that has hindered its progress and threatens its future viability.
This unfolding saga underscores the urgent need for greater transparency and accountability in Kenya’s public institutions, particularly those responsible for shaping the country’s future through education. As the investigations continue, the nation waits to see whether justice will prevail and whether Moi University can recover from the financial and leadership challenges it currently faces.
