Members of Parliament, MPs in the Public Investments Committee on Governance and Education have issued a stern warning to university Vice-Chancellors who appear before Parliament without adequate documentation to address audit queries.
The Committee, chaired by Wanami Wamboka (Bumula), raised the concern during a sitting with Murang’a University Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dickson Nyariki.
Prof. Nyariki was put on the spot for failing to provide critical documents related to procurement and investment issues flagged in the Auditor General’s report.
Despite receiving prior notice and specific instructions on the required documentation, the Vice-Chancellor appeared before the Committee without the necessary evidence to demonstrate compliance or resolution of the audit issues.
“When the Auditor General says they need documents to prove work done and expenses made, it is your duty to ensure you furnish them with that information to absolve yourselves from recurrent audit issues,” said Wamboka. “Coming before this Committee without proof of resolving matters points to negligence on your part.”
Murang’a University’s financial records were flagged for several irregularities, including the direct procurement of a Scania bus at a cost of Ksh15.39 million — a clear contravention of public procurement laws.
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The Committee demanded documents to justify the procurement decision, but the university leadership failed to produce any.
Another issue of contention was the university’s Ksh 25.14 million investment in Bamburi Cement.
MPs noted with concern that the shares were held in the names of trustees instead of the university. Attempts to obtain documentation showing that a transfer of ownership had been initiated were unsuccessful.
As a result of the failure to provide satisfactory evidence, the Committee fined Prof. Nyariki Ksh500,000 under parliamentary Standing Orders relating to non-compliance with committee summons and documentation requirements.
The Committee also reviewed Auditor General Reports for the financial years 2021/2022 to 2023/2024 from Kaimosi Friends University, Laikipia University, and Ramogi Institute of Advanced Technology.
All institutions were required to respond to audit concerns regarding public fund management.
The Committee has reaffirmed its commitment to holding public institutions accountable and ensuring the prudent use of taxpayers’ money.
By Obegi Malack
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