MPs expose universities’ spending on failed technology, tribal hiring, and bogus payrolls, leading to criticism.

MPs expose universities’ spending on failed technology, tribal hiring, and bogus payrolls, leading to criticism.

After Members of Parliament revealed significant mismanagement of funds and operations, Kenya’s public universities are in a dire situation. Major scandals in the education sector, such as ghost employees, biased hiring, and ineffective systems, have been exposed by the Committee on Public Investments on Governance and Education of the National Assembly.

The committee, led by Bumula MP Jack Wamboka, expressed concerns about the hundreds of millions spent on Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems that never functioned. These systems were intended to enhance administration, but they turned out to be useless due to inadequate preparation and poor vendor selections.

During a meeting of the Commission for University Education (CUE), lawmakers questioned a Ksh45.7 million system that has not made any progress despite Ksh30.5 million having been spent. In violation of purchasing regulations, there were no completion reports.

The committee also discovered a Ksh2.5 million deficit in a car and mortgage loan fund, for which there were no supporting documentation. Worst of all, CUE violated the laws of public finance by retaining 90% of its Ksh80 million surplus.

The fact that Kibabii University employs 75% of its 430 employees from a single ethnic group drew criticism. According to members of parliament, this violates both national values and the law.

Additionally, the institution paid its employees 64% of its revenue, which is about twice the legal maximum.

The shady payroll records at Meru National Polytechnic were brought to the attention of the authorities. Auditors discovered fictitious KRA PINs, unusual birth dates, and more than 140 questionable contracts.

Leaders disregarded audit recommendations, and the ERP system did not adhere to regulations governing salary deductions.

Additionally, the building of the Meru Polytechnic was discovered to be sluggish and rife with unlawful modifications. Members of Parliament stated that those accountable will be subject to fines if they persist in violating the regulations.

Meanwhile, Kisii Polytechnic, the Council of Legal Education, and the Kenya School of Law were expelled from the conference for arriving without essential personnel. They were instructed to come back with the right teams to discuss their financial statements.

The committee vowed to continue pushing for openness, responsibility, and improved educational opportunities.