EACC probes UoN over multibillion land leases
The University of Nairobi is facing a major probe over suspected fraudulent leasing and disposal of prime properties, with the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) demanding urgent documentation for ongoing investigations into land and assets valued at billions of shillings.
According to the Daily Nation, in a letter addressed to acting Vice Chancellor Prof Margaret Hutchinson, the EACC has requested detailed records on properties believed to have been irregularly leased out or whose ownership processes are under question.
She has until Monday, April 7, 2025, to submit the requested documents.
Among the properties under investigation are key parcels across Nairobi and other areas, including 10 acres at Kanyariri farm, 40 acres behind ANP hostels in Loresho, 100 acres at Kibwezi Field Station, and 20 acres currently leased to Shamba Cafe Hotel in Loresho Ridge.
Additional parcels include six acres near Dusit Hotel and another near Spring Valley Shopping Centre, both located in high-value zones.
To support the investigations, the anti-graft agency has asked for all lease or tenancy agreements, minutes of approval meetings, communication between the university and tenants, proof of land use changes where applicable, and any other relevant documents.
“In order to finalise on our investigations, kindly but urgently forward the following documents and information in relation to the above listed parcels lease or tenancy agreements, minutes approving the leases or tenancies, correspondences between the University and leasing the parcels, proof of any change of user to the land if any and any other relevant documents or information,” reads the EACC letter.
The probe has drawn attention from the Universities Academic Staff Union (Uasu), which has demanded a deeper investigation into how the university’s properties are managed.
UoN chapter secretary Dr Maloba Wekesa referenced concerns raised in the Auditor General’s report, stating that some leases lacked transparency and the university had no clear records of how the lessees were identified or how much income was being generated from these agreements.
“Auditor General queries raised various questions including leases of University Land, specifically, Lower Kabete Road LR No 1870/111/71, Kayahwe Road House LR No. 1/203, Spring Valley LR No 7468/9 and Old Council Offices in Hurlingham,” said Wekesa.
He further disclosed that in one of the cases, the Auditor General found that a parcel had been leased to an unknown individual.
“Further, the Auditor General has noted massive irregularities in administration of funds for the proposed construction of University of Nairobi, Engineering and Science Complex. Notably, close to Sh100 million has been spent mainly on payment of allowances and a feasibility study with nothing else to show on the ground,” Wekesa said.
The concerns extend beyond property dealings.
Prof Hutchinson, during a session with the National Assembly Education Committee, revealed that the university is grappling with a financial crisis, with pending bills amounting to Sh13 billion.
The liabilities include arrears owed to the Kenya Revenue Authority, pension contributions, NSSF, housing levy, staff bank loans, insurance companies, and staff welfare schemes.