Kabianga, Masinde Muliro varsities on the spot over delayed projects, irregular spending
The Committee, chaired by Bumula MP Wanami Wamboka, undertook the visits to follow up on audit queries flagged by the Auditor-General in relation to the two institutions
The National Assembly’s Public Investments Committee on Governance and Education has raised concern over stalled multi-million projects at Kabianga University in Kericho County and Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology in Kakamega County, after an inspection tour on Monday.
The Committee, chaired by Bumula MP Wanami Wamboka, undertook the visits to follow up on audit queries flagged by the Auditor-General in relation to the two institutions.
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At Kabianga University, the legislators examined the delayed completion of a library project worth Sh834,523,967.10. Construction of the facility began on June 8, 2017 and was expected to be completed by June 4, 2020.
The contract was extended three times but more than seven years later, the building remains incomplete.
The stalled library project worth Sh834,523,967.10 at Kabianga University. (National Assembly)
The MPs noted that the project is only 72 per cent complete, with the institution attributing the delay to inadequate and irregular government funding.
The Committee, however, challenged the management to diversify its income sources instead of solely depending on state allocations.
“Going by the trend of the last six or so years, government funding to the university has been on the minimal, so explaining it as the reason for failure to deliver services is unrealistic. What practical activities are you undertaking to supplement your income?” Wamboka posed.
The MPs also interrogated the university management on other audit issues. They questioned the irregular use of imprest worth more than Sh3 million to fuel vehicles despite the existence of an active contract with Total Energies. Legislators expressed concern that the procurement department had been ignored.
“The independence of HR, Procurement, and other departments in these institutions are largely attached to the Leadership thus compromised, they should be allowed to operate without interference,” Chiforomodo Mangale said.
At Masinde Muliro University, the Committee inspected a swimming pool project valued at Sh78,200,692 that was to be completed within 52 weeks from July 29, 2021, with an end date of June 30, 2022.
The stalled swimming pool project valued at Sh78,200,692 at Masinde Muliro University. (National Assembly)
Their visit revealed that the project stands at 65 per cent completion and had already been terminated after disagreements between the university and the contractor.
The contractor told the MPs that changes to the original agreement and bill of quantities had turned the pool from Olympic size to Olympic standard, a development that could not be achieved with the finances provided.
“Who’s idea was it to convert the pool to Olympic standard after the contract had been awarded?” asked Embakasi West MP Mark Mwenje.
Legislators also questioned why end-users were not consulted before the change was made.
“Public funds were used in a project without a legal contract, we’d like to review the documents and determine who made the erratic decision,” Wamboka said.
The university also came under scrutiny for failing to install ten biometric gadgets despite having fully paid for them. The ICT department had flagged the issue in audit reports, with the MPs vowing to pursue accountability on the matter.
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