The University of Nairobi (UoN) has plunged into financial strain as the management acknowledge that the institution is facing a financial crisis, with debts exceeding Ksh.12 billion due to insufficient funding from the national government exchequer.
The Parliamentary Education Committee on Tuesday, April 2, visited the university to uncover the reasons behind its financial and managerial problems.
University management, led by Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor Margaret Jesang Hutchinson, opened up to the visiting legislatures about the causes of the institution’s troubles.
She admitted that debts of over Ksh.12 billion top the list, including pension arrears of Ksh.7.8 billion and Ksh.4 billion owed to the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA).
“We owe suppliers Ksh.194 million, ABSA Bank Ksh.315 million, and other debts continue to pile up,” said Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor Margaret Jesang Hutchinson.
ALSO READ:
Prof Hutchinson assumes role as Acting Vice Chancellor of UoN
The acting vice chancellor added that the university is only managing to stay afloat with external support and needs Ksh.800 million every month to pay its staff.
At the same time, she revealed that the Kisumu and Mombasa campuses remain dormant due to a significant decline in student enrollment adding that some parts of the campuses have been rented out to businesses.
“Our payroll is Ksh.800 million monthly, but the government only provides Ksh.100 million. We have no students in Mombasa and Kisumu,” said Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor Margaret Jesang Hutchinson.
Members of Parliament were informed that the acting vice-chancellor has remained in the dark about several key decisions made by the university council, which she leads, including staff dismissals—such as the suspension of lecturers—without her knowledge.
“Was the decision to suspend lecturers, including the recent suspension of Prof. Maloba, made by the council?” posed Narok MP Rebecca Tonkei.
“Even I don’t know. I requested clarification from the council, but they haven’t responded yet,” Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor responded.
ALSO READ:
KUCCPS sets up 63 support centres to assist university and TVET applicants
The university’s management also revealed that between 14 and 20 senior management positions were created unlawfully, and the university lacks essential documents for those appointed to these positions. The head of the university’s legal department is now facing scrutiny for failing to provide these important records.
“I can’t respond about their academic documents,they’re not important, and we don’t have them in our records,” said UoN lawyer Fredrick Collins Omondi.
The parliamentary committee acknowledged that the university is in crisis, with chairperson Julius Meli stating that it is clear the university has serious problems, from recruitment to mounting debts calling for immediate action is necessary to rescue the institution from scrambling down to more serious crisis.
A growing rift between the acting vice chancellor and the university council which started last year has worsened the situation; with the vice chancellor claims the council has been making key decisions, including staff dismissals, without his input.
The university council led by Amukowa Anangwe as the chair, resolved to sent Prof. Stephen Kiama on compulsory leave to create a lee way for the new vice chancellor to takr the mantle of the university leadership. This never settle well with the embattled Vice chancellor Prof Kiama who promised to fight to the end to retain his position.
By Brian Ndigo
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
>>> Click here to stay ahead with the latest national news.
