MPs slam university leaders over audit hearing preparedness
MPs stressed the importance of complete documentation to ensure proper financial management and compliance with existing regulations.
The National Assembly’s Public Investments Committee (PIC) on Governance and Education has issued a stern warning to university leaders over poor preparation during audit hearings.
The caution followed a session with Murang’a University Vice-Chancellor Prof Dickson Nyariki, who appeared before MPs without sufficient documents to answer financial queries.
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Committee chairperson Wanami Wamboka emphasised that repeated failures to provide necessary evidence undermine accountability and expose institutions to scrutiny.
“When the Auditor General says they need documents to prove work done, and expenses made, it is your duty to ensure that you furnish them with that to absolve yourselves from recurrent Audit issues,” Wamboka stated.
“Coming before this Committee without proof of resolving matters points to negligence on your part,” he added.
Murang’a University was highlighted for several procurement issues, including the direct acquisition of a Scania bus at a cost of 15.39 million shillings, which violated procurement regulations.
When pressed for supporting documentation, the VC and his team could not provide the records requested by the MPs.
The Legislators also questioned an investment of 25.14 million shillings in Bamburi Cement, noting that the shares were held under trustees rather than the university.
Efforts by the Committee to confirm whether ownership transfer processes had begun yielded no evidence.
As a consequence, Prof. Nyariki was fined 500,000 shillings under the Standing Orders that allow parliamentary committees to impose surcharges for failing to submit requested evidence.
The Committee did not limit its inquiry to Murang’a University. Sessions were also held with Kaimosi Friends University, Laikipia University, and Ramogi Institute of Advanced Technology to examine the Auditor General’s reports for the financial years 2021/2022 through 2023/2024.
MPs stressed the importance of complete documentation to ensure proper financial management and compliance with existing regulations.
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