Details have emerged, exposing tricks that were used to loot Moi University, the second public university in Kenya that was established in 1984.
In an exclusive expose by TV47 on Sunday November 17, 2024, investigative Journalist Lenox Sengre unraveled the tactics being used to loot public funds at Moi University.
The university that was widely known for academic research and excellence is on the verge of collapsing as a result of corruption, ghost projects and ghost workers.
For instance Tinderet MP Julius Melly, who is also a member of the parliamentary committee on education, agrees that Moi which was once an academic giant is on its deathbed.
“The consequences of this university collapsing will be there for everyone. The businesses in Eldoret, the surrounding communities and even the entire region will be affected. The collapse of Moi University will create a vacuum that will crush many businesses,” said Melly.
“No one including the president can allow that to happen,” he added.
Moi university is facing financial difficulties, with its debts exceeding Ksh10 billion.
The university recently constructed a main gate using approximately Ksh30 million at its main campus, raising concerns on exaggeration and misuse of funds at the institution.
Consequently, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) started investigating the university over corruption and misuse of public funds.
However, Moi University VC Isaac Kosgei denied the corruption allegations, insting that the gate is unique and attractive to students, who like associating themselves with good things.
“The approximately Ksh26 million that was used in constructing the gate cannot pay lecturers, we need about Ksh400m every month to pay salaries,” said Kosgei.
According to reliable sources, the university spends a lot of money on corrupt deals, for example exaggerated allowances for lecturers and top managers who operate daily from Nairobi to Eldoret.
Inside the university, the situation is worse as most buildings have broken window panes, and some structures and buildings are on the verge of collapse.
Interestingly, the university bought several donkeys to be used as a means of transport, since it cannot allegedly afford a tractor.
The university also started a dog breeding project, dealing in the German shepherds, at an exaggerated cost. Further investigations showed that all the 11 dogs bought were male.
Meanwhile, during an investigative tour at the university, MPs accused the university management of misappropriation of funds in the apples project.
For instance, the university had spent Ksh600 million for the apples project on a 100 acres land.
Still on the same issue of corruption, an employee at the institution revealed how he was shocked to learn that his actual salary was about Ksh90,000 yet he was earning only 8,000 per month as a casual employee.
“I was shocked when KRA officials disclosed to me that my salary was Ksh90,000 since I have been earning only Ksh8,000,” said an employee who sought anonymity.
This exposes a scheme that the management uses to loot from the university.
Further interrogation exposed a number of local politicians who also forced the university to employ their relatives and friends at the institution as ghost workers.
EACC is also investigating the university over wasting billions of shillings on stalled projects at its campuses.
In addition, the government agency questioned how one contractor was awarded tenders worth billions of shillings at various campuses, for the stalled projects.
