The Moi University Acting Vice Chancellor Prof. Kiplagat Kotut and his management team was at pains to explain the multiple incomplete projects despite having spent millions on them, and their expected periods of completion lapsed.
While undertaking an inspection visit of the facility, the Public Investments Committee on Governance led by Bumula MP Wanami Wamboka noted the deplorable conditions of the University’s facilities, including the Margaret Thatcher Library and several students’ hostels that lacked basics like light bulbs.
“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,” said Kuresoi MP Joseph Tonui.
How much did Moi University gate cost?
A spot check at the university’s main gate that has been under construction for several years revealed poor workmanship, with the MPs questioning if indeed the institution spent the reported Ksh 7 million on it.
“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,” noted Bomachoge Chache MP Alfah Miruka.
The construction of a multi-purpose amphitheatre by the University has also stalled, with barely 40% of the work done.
“The architectural design seems to have been well thought-out, but what happened to prioritizing the most necessary projects first?” questioned Lunga Lunga MP Chiforomodo Mangale.
Which Moi University projects have stalled?
The Committee also toured other stalled projects including Hostel buildings, the proposed School of Science, and the Digital Innovation Centre, all of which were not more than halfway complete.
“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,” guided the committee’s chairperson.
Further, the Committee visited the functional student hostels, where they noted their deplorable state, questioning why the management does not undertake regular renovations to keep them fit for students’ habitation.
“Something like fire extinguishers and light bulbs are basics that need to be part of these hostels,” said MP Rebecca Tonkei (Narok). “Are the students even safe on these dimly lit corridors?”
State of Moi University staff quarters
The legislators also inspected the University staff quarters to assess their usability, and established that most of them remain vacated, with a dire need for renovations if they are to ever be used again.
“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,” said MP Mark Mwenje (Embakasi West).
However, the University’s Acting Vice Chancellor assured the MPs that the management is on the verge of making improvements to help the University regain its lost glory.
He appealed to the MPs for intervention in ensuring sufficient budgetary allocation to help complete the pending projects and resolve the other issues raised.
