The University of Nairobi (UoN) is leasing out buildings as the management acknowledges a financial crisis. The institution is burdened with debts exceeding Ksh12 billion and faces insufficient funding from the Ministry of Education.
The Parliamentary Education Committee chaired by Julius Melly visited the institution to investigate financial and managerial problems.
UoN Acting Vice-Chancellor Margaret Jessang Hutchinson accused the University Council of making key decisions, including staff dismissals, without her input.
Hutchinson opened up about the causes of the institution’s troubles making its future uncertain.
Debts of over Ksh12 billion top the list, including pension arrears of Ksh7.8 billion and Ksh4 billion owed to the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA).
“You will realize that the highest component that we have is the one for pensions at Ksh7.782 billion. The others are smaller amounts, nonetheless very, very important, like the supplies of goods and services at 194,” Hutchinson said.
The University is only managing to stay afloat with external support and needs Ksh800 million every month to pay its staff.
University of Nairobi Campuses Leased Out
At the same time, its Kisumu and Mombasa campuses remain dormant due to a significant decline in students’ enrolment.
Hutchinson revealed that some parts of the campus have been rented out to businesses.
“We have already programs going, but we think that they are quite underutilized. When you go to Kisumu, it’s a beautiful place. If you go to Mombasa, we have the Uni Plaza there, which we are even leasing out.
We only get Ksh123 million from the Ministry, from Treasury, and from Government. So, the other balance is where I would say that we are having a challenge,” she said.
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Firing of Staff Without VC’s Knowledge
The Committee was informed that the acting VC 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.
Hutchinson was asked to produce the minutes of the meeting that led to the suspension of one Dr. Wekesa Maloba.
However, she stated that, “I’m on record to have requested for side minutes from the Chair, to which I have not received up to today.”
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Illegal Positions
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.
“You have flouted the rules on recruitment and the rules on constitution of management. Individuals are drawing money, and they are not being held accountable. The rule of law has to prevail here,” Melly said.
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