One of the oldest institutions of higher learning appears to be on the verge of collapse due to poor financial and administrative decisions, heavy debt, an oversized workforce, and poorly planned projects.
Named after Kenya’s second President, Moi University is not only in financial crisis but also a state of confusion. 40 years since establishment, the Eldoret-based institution has debts exceeding Sh. 8 billion. Learning activities were halted due to ongoing strikes by lecturers and workers protesting against the administration.
These issues have steadily eroded the prestige of what was once a highly revered institution. In a recent exposé by TV47, several whistleblowers revealed the underlying causes of the crisis facing the university.
Many have alleged that the university has made controversial decisions to cut costs and raise revenue. One whistleblower revealed that the school once purchased 11 donkeys to replace worn-out tractors for ploughing fields, citing an inability to afford fuel for the tractors.
“The university bought donkeys. At one time, this university used to have tractors because of the land they were ploughing. Today, Moi University is buying donkeys, I’m told they are 11 donkeys. From tractors to donkeys,” the source revealed in the expose.
Concerted efforts to generate revenue led the school into a series of unusual projects. One such idea was a dog breeding business. According to the report, the institution purchased German Shepherd dogs at an allegedly inflated price. An Independent investigation by TV47 revealed that all the dogs were male.
“They bought dogs. I’m told they are 10. But when you look at the cost, you’ll realize something is seriously wrong with this university,” the insider stated.
In the past, the university leadership committed Sh. 600 million to cultivate 100 hectares of apple trees. From the investment, the school expects to generate profits of up to Sh. 78 million.
“This is a tree that was planted in 2022. It’s just two years, give us 3 more years and see how many apples we will get. It will increase the revenue for the university in the next two years… it is a long-term investment,” spoke the Apple Farm manager.
A protected source who worked on the farm revealed that, initially, employees often worked half days but still received payments. However, salaries stopped being paid around 2023.
Due to intimidation, workers felt unable to voice their concerns. The source also described the working conditions at Moi University as extremely harsh and unbearable.
Kipsang: How placement to senior schools will be done
All this appears to be happening under the watch of the university administration, which is now planning to install a Sh. 30 million gate. Speaking to reporters, Vice-Chancellor Isaac Kosgey explained that the gate’s construction was intended to uplift the students citing ‘students like associating themselves with good things and they were dull before the new gate.”
“The Sh. 26 million cannot pay lecturers. We need 4 million every month to pay lecturers. While we’re focusing on the 26 million, there’s a larger picture of 4 million every month to pay the lecturers,” he stated.
The Vice-Chancellor has been summoned several times by the EACC to answer questions about alleged violations of procurement laws. However, the matter appears to be a back-and-forth between the EACC and Moi University’s administration.
When questioned directly about the corruption allegations, Kosgey denied them.
“No, I’m not corrupt. As I say, if there’s that allegation, please come prove it. We have government agencies that deal with such, we have EACC, DCI…: he said.
