The National Assembly’s Public Investments Committee on Education and Governance has expressed concerns about the unsustainable wage bill at Garissa University, highlighting the financial strain the institution is facing.
The issues came to light during an examination of the Auditor General’s reports for the financial years 2021/2022 to 2024/2025.
During the committee’s sitting, chaired by Kilome MP Thaddeus Nzambia, members questioned the university’s wage bill, which stood at a significant 51% of the institution’s total revenue well above the legally prescribed threshold of 35%.
In response, Vice Chancellor Prof. Ahmed Warfa, through the Head of Finance CPA Aden Mohamed, acknowledged the breach but defended the university’s position. He explained that the high wage bill was due to historical challenges and staffing shortages, noting that while the institution has made progress, more work remains to ensure compliance with legal limits.
“We agree with the findings. However, our wage bill has reduced from 65% in previous years, and we are on a steady path towards compliance,” Prof. Warfa said. He further revealed that Garissa University is currently operating with 300 fewer staff than required, which has contributed to the inflated wage bill.
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“Universities are labor-intensive, and we are intensifying our efforts to mobilize resources to meet the legal threshold,” he added.
In addition to the concerns over the wage bill, the committee raised alarms over the delayed construction of an administration block at the university, a project valued at Ksh 518.4 million.
According to Auditor General Nancy Gathungu’s report, the project, which was slated for completion in August 2024, was only 40% complete by May 2025. The contractor responsible for the construction has reportedly abandoned the site, further delaying progress.
MPs on the committee were firm in demanding accountability, pointing out that Parliament had previously allocated funds to support the project. The committee emphasized the need for transparency and swift action to resolve the delays and address audit queries.
Failure to address these concerns, the committee warned, could result in sanctions, as Parliament has reiterated its commitment to ensuring accountability within public institutions.
Garissa University, like many public institutions, is under scrutiny as lawmakers push for better fiscal management and the timely completion of government-funded projects.
By Obegi Malack
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