MPs Probe Sh800 Million Contract Breach At Kabianga University

The National Assembly’s Public Investments Committee on Governance and Education has raised alarm over stalled multi-million shilling projects at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) and Kabianga University.

The Committee, chaired by Bumula MP Wanami Wamboka, visited the two institutions on Tuesday as part of its follow-up on audit queries raised by the Auditor-General.

At Kabianga University in Kericho County, MPs inspected a library project valued at Sh834 million that has stalled for more than seven years. Construction began in June 2017 and was expected to end in June 2020, but has been extended three times and is only about 72 per cent complete.

The university’s management blamed delays on minimal and delayed government funding. But MPs challenged Vice Chancellor Prof. Erick Koech to find alternative ways of raising money instead of depending solely on the exchequer.

“Going by the trend of the last six years, government funding has been minimal. Using that as an excuse for failing to deliver services is unrealistic. What practical measures are you taking to generate income?” asked Mr. Wamboka.

The lawmakers also raised concerns over the irregular use of more than Sh3 million in imprest to fuel vehicles, despite the university having a running contract with Total Energies. They questioned why the procurement department was ignored.

“The independence of departments such as HR and Procurement is often compromised by leadership interference. They should be allowed to operate freely,” said Hon. Chiforomodo Mangale.

At Masinde Muliro University in Kakamega County, the MPs inspected a swimming pool project worth Sh78.2 million that was to be completed in June 2022 but remains unfinished, standing at about 65 per cent.

The contract, which began in July 2021, was terminated after disputes between the contractor and the university. The contractor accused the institution of altering the design from an Olympic-size pool to an Olympic-standard pool without providing additional funds.

“Who decided to change the specifications after the contract had already been awarded?” asked Embakasi West MP Mark Mwenje.

Narok County Woman Rep Rebecca Tonkei added that end-users should have been consulted before such changes were made, noting that lack of consultation often leads to waste of public funds.

The Committee also faulted the university for illegally renewing the contract after it had lapsed, saying public funds were spent without a valid agreement.

“Public money was used on a project without a legal contract. We want to see the documents to establish who approved this unlawful decision,” said Mr. Wamboka.

Masinde Muliro University further came under scrutiny for failing to install 10 biometric gadgets purchased by its ICT department, despite the equipment having been fully paid for.

The Committee said it will continue investigating the stalled projects to ensure accountability and proper use of taxpayers’ money.