18 Universities Under Investigation by EACC Over Corruption and Mismanagement.
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) is conducting investigations into 18 public universities for offences such as theft of public funds, unethical practices, and academic fraud.
The investigations, according to EACC spokesperson Erick Ngumbi, are at various stages. However, the names of the universities under scrutiny were not disclosed.
The investigations coincide with a financial crisis facing public universities, many of which are grappling with cumulative debts exceeding Sh70 billion.
Among the institutions under scrutiny is Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST), where the High Court has frozen an account containing Sh74 million. The EACC is investigating allegations of corruption at the university.
JOOUST Corruption Scandal
The investigation at JOOUST centers around former vice-chancellor Prof. Stephen Agong, who is suspected of colluding with contractors and consultants to defraud the institution during his tenure.
EACC investigators searched his residences in Nairobi, Kisumu, and Homa Bay, recovering crucial documents relating to construction contracts.
Mr. Ngumbi noted that upon Prof. Agong’s exit, he took away all the documents—both soft and hard copies—pertinent to various university projects.
A related scandal involving a former deputy vice-chancellor and four other top officials led to the freezing of JOOUST’s accounts by the Siaya High Court.
This came after a contractor claimed the university owed Sh179 million. However, the retrieved documents indicate that payments had been made in full, despite incomplete projects.
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The disputed projects include:
- A 1,000-capacity men’s hostel
- An ultra-modern library
- A science laboratory
- An administration block
- A research complex
- A tuition block
EACC is also examining procurement malpractices, including irregularities in the hiring of security services.
Moi University: Loss of Sh2.2 Billion
At Moi University, the EACC is probing the alleged loss of Sh2.2 billion. Statements have been recorded from 59 individuals, including Vice-Chancellor Prof. Isaac Kosgey. Four members of the university council are scheduled to record their statements this week.
Irregular Hiring at the University of Nairobi
The EACC is also investigating claims that the University of Nairobi’s council created a senior position irregularly and appointed an individual without the required academic qualifications as chief operations officer.
The university has been given 30 days to address the issue as investigations proceed.
Litigations and missing documentation have hampered the operations and investigations at JOOUST. EACC has pledged to seek a review of the court order freezing the university’s accounts to facilitate its functioning.
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Mr. Ngumbi, speaking in Siaya County during a burial service for Mama Joyce Oginde, mother of EACC chairperson Dr. David Oginde, highlighted the broader impact of corruption on university operations.
The EACC continues to pursue accountability and justice in these cases, aiming to restore public trust in the management of higher education institutions.
18 Universities Under Investigation by EACC Over Corruption and Mismanagement
