MPs Fine Kenya School Of Law CEO Sh500,000 Over Unclear Response

Kenya School of Law (KSL) CEO Dr. Henry Kibet Mutai has been fined Sh500,000 by the National Assembly’s Public Investments Committee on Education and Governance for failing to provide adequate information during an audit probe.

The committee, chaired by Bumula MP Wanami Wamboka, visited the school to assess progress on the stalled construction of an ultra-modern library and moot courts. The project, which began in June 2013 at an estimated cost of Sh488 million, was expected to be completed in 2016. However, as of June 2022, only Sh322 million had been paid, and the facility—claimed to be 97% complete—showed poor finishing during inspection.

“The construction period was three years, and the project was to be completed by September 2016,” reads a report by the Office of the Auditor General.

Dr. Mutai and his team struggled to respond to audit questions during the session, with MPs citing inconsistencies and lack of clarity in their explanations. The committee expressed dissatisfaction with the institution’s financial accountability.

“We find the Finance Officer incompetent, negligent, and unfit to serve in an institution like KSL,” said MP Wamboka.

The committee also raised concerns over the school’s failure to implement an Integrated Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, despite paying Sh14.9 million to ABNO Software’s International Limited in 2018. Lawmakers noted that key personnel were missing during the system’s audit and verification.

“There is a serious disconnect between the CEO and his officers,” observed MP Francis Sigei.

MP Alfah Miruka added, “Taking responsibility for the unanswered queries raised by the Auditor General makes you an accomplice in this case, Mr. CEO.”

As a result of repeated failure to provide clear responses, Wamboka imposed a Sh500,000 personal fine on Dr. Mutai, instructing him to pay via banker’s cheque to the Clerk of the National Assembly within a week.

“I therefore invoke Section 191 (a) of the National Assembly Standing Orders. You’re hereby ordered to pay a fine of Sh500,000 from your personal funds, not the institution’s,” Wamboka declared.

The committee is now calling on the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to investigate possible criminal liability by the KSL management.

“It is not acceptable that this committee has had to visit this institution three times over the same unresolved audit matters. There must be consequences for this kind of negligence,” said MP Kirima.