The Vice Chancellor of Egerton University Prof. Isaack Kibwage has appealed to the National Assembly Public Investments Committee on Governance and Education to help resolve a land ownership dispute that has derailed the institution’s development agenda for a protracted period.
Kibwage was speaking at the University where the Committee led by chairperson Wanami Wamboka (Bumula) convened a meeting to address Audit Queries highlighted by the Office of the Auditor General.
According to the Vice Chancellor, the 2000 acres of farm-land belonging to Egerton has been illegally grabbed by persons that have gone as far as acquiring documentation to prove ownership, and any attempts by the University to reclaim and develop the land have been met with resistance and sometimes; violence.
“This land ownership matter is very big and sensitive, but the land belongs to the University and as MPs, we shall do everything possible to enable its restoration back to the institution,” assured chairman Wamboka.
Asserting the seriousness with which the Committee has taken the matter, the Chairman revealed a plan to have a multi-sectoral approach to resolving the stalemate that has curtailed Egerton’s chances of undertaking any farming activities to help generate income to supplement Government funding.
“These land ownership wrangles have frustrated the Management over years to the point that they cannot undertake any income generating activities on the parcel,” said MP Wamboka.
“We shall recommend the coming together of three Committees – Lands, Security, and PIC on Governance & Education- to apply concerted efforts to resolve the matter, to visit the land and find a lasting solution,” he added.
What audit issues is Egerton University facing?
Among other Audit issues that the MPs sought to address with the University’s management included seven (7) stalled projects valued at Ksh 435,545,277 after contractors pulled out due to non-payments.
Others are procurement irregularities, and the diversion of Ksh 600Million from development funds by the Finance Officer to recurrent expenditure (payment of salaries) also raised concerns among the Legislators who termed it as illegal.
“The finance officer’s decision is equal to usurping powers of the National Assembly by diverting funds to any other use other than its intended purpose, and without any approval,” emphasized Kiminini MPKakai Bisau, a member of the committee.
The Committee has resolved to recommend to the House, that the anti-corruption agencies should get involved in the matter, and legal action taken against the officer.
