Top officials at Moi University are under fire as the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) investigates allegations of embezzling Sh2.2 billion through fraudulent infrastructure projects.
The EACC has summoned Vice-Chancellor Isaac Kosgey, Chief Accountant Egla Samoei, Head of Procurement Wilson Bett, and Head of the Development Unit Moses Kipkulei for questioning at the commission’s Eldoret office today.
This comes after a prolonged strike by university staff, who have been demanding the payment of Sh8.6 billion in overdue salaries and other dues. The strike, which has lasted two months, has caused significant unrest within the institution.
In response, university management issued a statement on Monday, claiming that salaries had been paid up until September and that funds for October were available—though these payments depend on staff resuming work.
The EACC’s investigation focuses on alleged corruption and procurement irregularities related to several infrastructure projects at the university.
Specifically, the commission is examining the proposed construction of additional floors at the School of Public Health, Dentistry, and Nursing, as well as other works at the College of Sciences, valued at Sh726 million.
Additionally, the officials are being questioned about the allocation of Sh148 million for electrical works at the two schools, the tender process for phase II of the university’s library project, awarded to Builders & Associates Civil Engineering Works for Sh1.1 billion, as well as the Sh169 million spent on electrical installation works.
The commission is also investigating the unresponsive tender for plumbing, drainage, and firefighting works, alongside mechanical ventilation and air conditioning installation works worth Sh35 million.
In a statement on Monday, EACC spokesperson Eric Ngumbi indicated that, in addition to the corruption allegations, Vice-Chancellor Kosgey faces accusations of attempting to interfere with the investigation and obstructing the commission’s work.
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Ngumbi emphasized that the EACC is targeting corruption in public universities, where high-ranking officials, including vice-chancellors, are allegedly involved in unethical practices.
The commission instructed Prof. Kosgey to appear for an interview and to provide original documents, including minutes from 18 special meetings, as part of the ongoing investigation.
“In a letter dated Thursday, November 14, 2024 received at the university on the same day, the commission has instructed the vice chancellor to appear in person for an interview and statement recording at the commission’s North Rift Regional Offices in Eldoret on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at 9.00 am,” reads the EACC statement.
Further investigations also cover requests for proposals related to the design, bidding, and construction supervision of various campus projects, including an amphitheatre, a digital innovation center, the relocation of the university’s main gate, and the completion of a workshop building.
Despite the university reopening last week, the striking staff have not received their salary arrears, even though the National Treasury has confirmed the disbursement of Sh3.5 billion to cover the outstanding payments.
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