Tough questions awaiting Moi University officials in Sh2.2 billion fraud case

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) is set for a heated question-and-answer session with top Moi University management officials on Wednesday regarding the alleged embezzlement of Sh2.2 billion linked to fraudulent infrastructural projects at the institution.

The senior officials summoned for questioning include Vice Chancellor Prof. Isaac Kosgey, Chief Accountant Egla Samoei, Head of Procurement Wilson Bett, and Head of the Development Unit Moses Kipkulei.

They have been instructed to present themselves at the EACC’s Eldoret office.

The investigation follows mounting concerns over corruption within the university, particularly regarding the handling of several construction projects.

“As part of ongoing investigations into reports of massive corruption and theft of public funds at Moi University, the EACC has summoned the University Vice-Chancellor Professor Isaac Kosgei to appear before it to respond to graft allegations involving fraudulent infrastructural projects worth Sh2,189,659,497.88,” the Commission said in a statement.

The EACC’s North Rift Regional Office is probing procurement irregularities in the proposed expansion of the School of Public Health, Dentistry, and Nursing, which reportedly involved Sh726 million.

Additional inquiries will focus on a Sh148 million electrical works tender and an unresponsive plumbing, drainage, and firefighting contract.

The commission is also investigating the university’s management of a Sh1.1 billion tender for Phase II of the library at the Annex Campus, as well as electrical installation works worth Sh169 million and mechanical ventilation and air conditioning installation works valued at Sh35 million.

In addition to corruption allegations, Prof. Kosgey faces accusations of obstructing the investigation by failing to submit critical documents, despite repeated requests.

On November 14, 2024, the EACC issued a letter instructing the Vice Chancellor to appear for an interview and statement recording on November 20, 2024, at 9.00 am.

The university has been asked to provide original documents, including minutes from 18 special meetings related to the projects in question.

In addition to these allegations, the EACC is investigating various proposals for consultancy services at the university, including the design of the proposed digital innovation centre and the re-designing of the Library Phase II.

Further financial irregularities under investigation at the university include the failure to remit Sh4 billion in payroll deductions, a default on a Sh3 billion loan owed to Rivatex East Africa Limited, and Sh1.1 billion in unpaid bills as of June 2020.

A week ago, the National Assembly's Committee on Education visited Moi University’s main campus in Kesses, Uasin Gishu County, and recommended disbanding the management board, with a caretaker team to be appointed.

EACC spokesperson Eric Ngumbi emphasised that the commission is increasing its focus on public universities, where senior officials may be involved in unethical practices that undermine the quality of education.

Despite students returning to campus last week, academic activities remain paralysed as the university struggles to resolve its ongoing labour dispute.

Staff from the University Academic Staff Union (Uasu), Kenya University Staff Union (Kusu), and Kenya Union of Domestic, Hotels, Educational Institutions, and Hospital Workers (Kudheiha) are still on strike, demanding payment of overdue salaries and other dues.