MPs decry mismanagement at Moi University after inspection tour

Moi University has come under sharp criticism from MPs after it emerged that more than Sh7 million was spent on constructing the institution’s main gate, which has been under construction for years but is already cracking before completion.

The National Assembly Public Investments Committee on Governance and Education, led by Chairperson Wanami Wamboka, accused the Eldoret-based institution of poor management and wastage of resources through incomplete multi-million projects and neglected facilities.

During the inspection, acting Vice Chancellor Prof Kiplagat Kotut and his team were questioned on why several projects had stalled despite funds being allocated and deadlines consistently missed.

MPs pointed to the poor state of essential facilities such as the Margaret Thatcher Library and student hostels, which lacked basic amenities including proper lighting.

“A school is as good as its management, and from what we’re seeing here today, the efficiency of Moi University management is very questionable,” Kuresoi South MP Joseph Tonui said.

At the main gate, members of the committee doubted whether the money reported to have been spent was justified.

“It is very clear that the cost of this project was inflated. A simple look at the gate shows substandard work, with cracks already showing even before its completion,” Bomachoge Chache MP Alfah Miruka said.

The team also inspected the multipurpose amphitheatre, which has stalled at only 40 per cent completion.

“The architectural design seems to have been well thought-out, but what happened to prioritising the most necessary projects first?” Lunga Lunga MP Chiforomodo Mangale asked.

Other abandoned projects included the proposed School of Science, a Digital Innovation Centre, and new hostels that are all less than halfway done.

“The Committee notes with concern that the school has many running projects that have all stalled, and we must emphasise the need to channel resources to complete one project before embarking on others since this leads to wastage of public resources,” Wamboka said.

The lawmakers described the student hostels as deplorable and unsafe.

“Something like fire extinguishers and light bulbs are basics that need to be part of these hostels,” Narok MP Rebecca Tonkei said. “Are the students even safe on these dimly lit corridors?”

Staff housing was also found in poor condition, with many quarters left vacant due to lack of maintenance.

“We really urge the management to take charge and ensure that the facilities at this institution are in a usable condition to its clients, who are the students and staff,” Embakasi West MP Mark Mwenje said.

Prof Kotut told the committee that the university was working on improvements and asked for more government support.

“We are on the verge of making improvements to help Moi University regain its lost glory,” he said.

The committee concluded that the challenges facing Moi University reflect wider governance problems in public universities, where stalled projects, mismanagement and weak oversight continue to affect learning and service delivery.