JKUAT under fire for alleged misuse of public funds
Legislators expressed concern over the lack of SRC approval, arguing that the payments may have breached financial regulations.
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) Vice-Chancellor Victoria Ngumi had a tough time before the National Assembly on Wednesday over allegations of financial mismanagement at the institution.
Members of the National Assembly questioned her leadership regarding the irregular disbursement of entertainment allowances, which saw some staff members receive up to Sh2 million each without approval from the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC).
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Ngumi, accompanied by the university’s finance officers, struggled to justify the payments as members of the National Assembly Committee on Public Investments, Governance, and Education, chaired by Jack Wamboka, flagged multiple cases of financial mismanagement.
Legislators expressed concern over the lack of SRC approval, arguing that the payments may have breached financial regulations.
While defending the allowances, Ngumi maintained that they were part of a negotiated agreement between the University Council and the staff union.
“Entertainment allowance at the university is a negotiated item between the University Council and the unions. It is not everybody who gets it; those who are in the CBA get it, and it can be up to the tune of Sh2 million,” she stated.
However, when MPs demanded to know whether the payments had received the required approvals, the Chief Finance Officer admitted that they had not.
This admission triggered further scrutiny, with legislators questioning why the university had disbursed such funds without proper authorization.
Frustrated by the revelations, the committee called for the immediate removal of JKUAT’s Chief Finance Officer and Head of Procurement, holding them responsible for alleged negligence and mismanagement of public resources.
“This is gross and quite unprecedented, honourable members. We find the two not fit to hold public office, and we will be moving to seek approval from the floor of the House. Once that happens, we do not think they will have any space,” Wamboka declared.
Beyond the concerns over the allowances, the committee advised the university to explore sustainable financial solutions.
MPs urged JKUAT to leverage its technological expertise, commercialize research, and fully utilize its vast assets, estimated to be worth Sh25 billion, to generate additional revenue.
“JKUAT needs to leverage its technological capabilities from within the institution to increase its revenue,” MP Bisau Kaikai said.
Francis Sigei suggested that the university should utilize its land for agricultural purposes, including farming and livestock rearing, or consider leasing part of it under Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to boost income.
The matter is expected to be debated further when Parliament resumes, as lawmakers push for accountability in public universities.
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