Mugenda, Wainaina summoned over KU’s Sh6.2bn audit queries

Two former Kenyatta University Vice Chancellors have been summoned by MPs to explain audit queries involving Sh6.2 billion flagged in a special audit report.

 Included in the questionable spending is the controversial establishment of the university's campus in Kigali, Rwanda, which was done without Council’s approval or feasibility study.

 The National Assembly's Public Investments Committee on Governance and Education directed that the former university chiefs – Prof Olive Mugenda and Prof Paul Wainaina appear before it over financial and administrative decisions undertaken during their tenure.

 The issues are contained in the 2018-19 and 2020-21 audit reports.

 “I direct that Prof Mugenda and Prof Wainaina be invited and it is important that they be versed with the content of the special audit,” directed the committee chairman and Luanda MP Dick Maungu.

 Also, to accompany the former KU chiefs are the procurement officers’ who served during their tenures.

 Among the issues under scrutiny is the opening and operation of Kenyatta University's Kigali campus, with MPs seeking explanations on the approvals, expenditure and overall viability of the project as captured in the special audit findings.

 Maungu said the committee will use the Kenya University cases to set an example to serving CEOs on the importance of prudent use of public resources at their disposal.

 “We need to set a pace and an example by having these officials here so that they can be answerable and accountable for their deeds while in office,” Maungu said.

 Lawmakers said the former VCs, alongside other former university officials, would be required to account for the questioned expenditure and respond to concerns raised by auditors before the committee concludes its inquiry.

 Narok Woman Rep Rebecca Tonkei maintained that those responsible for the management of public resources must be held accountable, stressing that the probe is aimed at safeguarding taxpayers' money and strengthening accountability in public universities.

 “We need to have Mugenda and Wainaina appearing here, they should come here and tell us where the money is and should be a lesson to those working in offices. Offices come and go but public resources must be handled with a lot of care,” Tonkei said.

 Other issues raised in the audit include irregularities in the stalled KU Children’s Hospital project expenditure amounting to Sh525 million, mismatch between procurement plans and budgets of about Sh1 billion.

 Others are payments done above budgetary allocations of about Sh172 million, unaccounted for expenditure in the School of Business amounting to about Sh72 million and unsupported consultancy payments for two projects of about Sh20 million.

 The committee on Wednesday had a session with the acting Vice Chancellor Prof John Okumu on the audit reports.

 The Maungu-led team however stood down Prof Okumu and demanded that the two former bosses be physically present to respond to their acts of omission and commission.

 “Responsibility lies with the persons who were in office, the former VCs went ahead to even construct Kigali campus without Council’s approval,” committee vice chairperson Boyd Were said.

 “Let the persons who presided over the matter be here present.”

 Maungu directed that the two former VCs appear before the committee in their next meeting.

 “The matters here are weighty, you may not have all the details that is why we want you to come along with your two former bosses,” Maungu directed. 

INSTANT ANALYSIS

 Among the issues under scrutiny is the opening and operation of Kenyatta University's Kigali campus, with MPs seeking explanations on the approvals, expenditure and overall viability of the project as captured in the special audit findings.