The University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University, and Moi University are among the six public universities that owe the Commission for University Education (CUE) more than Sh750 million in quality assurance fees.

Appearing before the National Assembly’s Public Investment Committee on Governance and Education, CUE Chief Executive Officer Mike Kuria said the charges have been outstanding for over 8 years.

He added that the commission had issued notices to the six universities to clear the debt, which represents 75 percent of the total outstanding debt of Sh1.03 billion. The amount each institution owes CUE is as follows:

“The listed universities are facing cash flow challenges,” Kuria told the committee while responding to audit queries on the commission’s books of accounts for the 2023/24 financial year.

He clarified that the commission has engaged the universities as a confirmation of outstanding balances, and some have provided payment plans.

Shock of TUK University on the verge of collapse

“Kisii University has paid Sh30 million, Maseno University (Sh8 million) and Mt Kenya University (Sh53.5 million),” he said.

Most public universities in Kenya are in financial crisis due to reduced government support, rising debts, and mismanagement which have affected learning activities and left staff unpaid.

A recent report by Controller of Budget Margaret Nyakang’o revealed that public universities and national polytechnics are facing an overwhelming debt of Sh67.81 billion.

Among the biggest debtors are Kenyatta University, which owes Sh12.38 billion, the University of Nairobi with Sh12.22 billion, and Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, whose debt stands at Sh9.13 billion.

These debts owed to suppliers, statutory bodies such as NSSF and KRA, pension funds, and contractors, include pending bills for unremitted statutory deductions, unpaid contractor fees, stalled projects, and pension arrears.

Other universities flagged for their worsening financial position are:

Egerton University in Nakuru                                                        – Sh7.69 billion

Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology                       -Sh1.25 billion

Kisii University                                                                              -Sh1.04 billion

Maasai Mara University                                                                  -Sh805.09 million

Kabianga University                                                                       -Sh466.52 million

Kibabii University                                                                           -Sh455.31 million

Meru University of Science and Technology                                      -Sh426.69 million

South Eastern Kenya University                                                       -Sh320.39 million

Laikipia University                                                                           -Sh283.60 million

Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology            -Sh215.62 million

Co-operative University of Kenya                                                      -Sh86.26 million

Kaimosi Friends University                                                                -Sh46.88 million

Karatina University                                                                           -Sh35.84 million

Allupe University                                                                               -Sh16.29 million

Turkana University College                                                                  -Sh10.82 million