2.2 Billion Heist: How Moi University Funneled Funds Through private Firm.
A private consultancy firm implicated in a Sh2.2 billion corruption scandal at Moi University is suspected of being used by top officials to embezzle funds.
The firm, associated with influential personalities, has been engaged by the university for the last seven years and allegedly facilitated fraudulent schemes in major infrastructure projects.
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) is probing senior university officials, including Vice-Chancellor Prof. Isaac Kosgey and the university council, for reportedly bypassing free government services offered by the Ministry of Public Works to irregularly hire the firm at exorbitant costs.
Investigations aim to uncover how the firm was awarded key tenders, potentially violating procurement laws since 2017.
On Tuesday, EACC confirmed that three officials, Chief Accountant Egla Samoei, Head of Procurement Wilson Bett, and Head of Development Unit Moses Kipkulei, had recorded statements.
Join Teachers Updates on Facebook
Prof. Kosgey, as the institution’s CEO and accounting officer, also faced allegations of obstructing the investigation by withholding crucial documents despite multiple reminders.
EACC spokesman Eric Ngumbi disclosed that the commission had interrogated and recorded statements from 58 individuals of interest, with more expected to appear for questioning in the coming weeks. The investigation began in June following reports of a collusion scheme between university officials and private consultants.
Prof. Kosgey was questioned for over eight hours on Wednesday at the EACC’s Eldoret office. Meanwhile, EACC has summoned the university council chairman, Dr. Humphrey Njuguna, along with council members Prof. Clara Momanyi, Mr. Charles Obiero, and Mr. Isaac Memusi, for questioning next week.
The summons was issued by EACC North Rift Regional Manager Charles Rasugu on behalf of CEO Twalib Mbarak.
The investigation focuses on multiple irregular projects, including the construction of the third and fourth floors of the School of Public Health, Dentistry, and Nursing, costing Sh726 million.
Additionally, it scrutinizes Sh148 million spent on electrical works, a plumbing and drainage tender deemed unresponsive, and a firefighting tender at the College of Health Sciences.
At the university’s Annex Campus, the Sh1.1 billion Library Phase II construction project and Sh169 million in electrical installation works are under review.
EACC is also investigating the mechanical ventilation and air conditioning installation tender valued at Sh35 million and consultancy services for the Amphitheatre Building, the proposed digital innovation center, and the completion of the workshop building.
ALSO READ: CS Ogamba Clarifies 2023 Primary School Capitation Arears, TVET Funding, and Mobility Challenges
Further, the commission is probing consultancy services for redesigning, bidding document preparation, and supervising the Library Phase II construction at the Annex Campus.
EACC officials revealed their intention to determine why the university opted for costly private consultancy instead of government-provided alternatives.
This expansive probe underscores allegations of corruption and procurement irregularities by university officials in managing multi-million-shilling projects, leaving critical questions about accountability and governance at Moi University.
2.2 Billion Heist: How Moi University Funneled Funds Through private Firm.
