More Moi University officials face EACC summons over Sh1.1bn library scandal
Moi University main campus.
More senior officials at Moi University could be summoned for questioning over an alleged Sh1.1 billion corruption scandal linked to the proposed construction of a library at the institution.
At the same time, the Nation has learnt that officials previously investigated — including former Vice-Chancellor Isaac Kosgey — may be recalled for further questioning as the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) intensifies efforts to hold those responsible to account.
Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Renson Ingonga has asked the EACC to carry out further investigations into the alleged embezzlement of Sh1.1 billion through fraudulent infrastructure projects at the university.
“The DPP hereby directs that further investigations be conducted in the inquiry into allegations of procurement irregularities at Moi University through the award of a tender for the proposed construction of a library to Dinesh Construction Limited at Sh1,110,321,795,” reads part of a communiqué from Mr Ingonga seen by the Nation.
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Following the directive, sources said the EACC will widen the scope of its probe, including summoning additional university officials for questioning.
The commission is investigating several components of the Library Phase II project at the university’s Annex Campus. These include the main construction contract awarded to Dinesh Construction Limited at Sh1.11 billion, as well as electrical installation, mechanical works and air-conditioning contracts estimated at more than Sh200 million.
In November last year, the EACC questioned several senior officials, among them then Vice-Chancellor Isaac Kosgey, Chief Accountant Egla Samoei, Head of Procurement Wilson Bett and Head of the Development Unit Moses Kipkulei.
Financial crisis
Moi University has been grappling with a severe financial crisis, with total debts standing at approximately Sh8.8 billion as of June 2025. The situation has been worsened by stalled projects, alleged financial mismanagement and corruption.
Investigations have established that the initial project — the construction of the Moi University Annex Campus School of Law Library — was duly authorised and valued at Sh311 million, with funds allocated in the 2019/2020 financial year.
The Ministry of Education and the National Treasury disbursed Sh239 million towards the project, which was completed within that financial year. A balance of Sh70 million was later released to finalise the project as originally planned.
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However, investigators found that the university diverted the Sh70 million to start a new and unapproved project — the School of Business and Economics building — which was misleadingly referred to as “Library Phase Two.”
The university subsequently advertised a new tender for the project and awarded it to Dinesh Construction Limited. Three additional subcontracts for electrical, plumbing and mechanical works were also irregularly issued.
According to the EACC, the Library Phase Two was a completely new and independent project that had neither been planned, approved nor budgeted for.
“There was no project code, concept note, feasibility study or authorisation from either the National Assembly or the National Treasury. The project was tendered and initiated without an approved budget, prior planning, internal financial clearance from the University Council or external authorisation from the National Treasury,” states an EACC report.
Earlier this year, the EACC compiled an investigation report and forwarded it to the DPP in July 2025, recommending that the Vice-Chancellor and Head of Procurement be charged.
The proposed charges included four counts of engaging in a project without prior planning and twelve counts of wilful failure to comply with procurement laws. However, the DPP returned the file for further investigations.
Beyond the library project, the EACC is also probing the alleged loss of funds in multiple projects at the university valued at more than Sh2.2 billion, involving about 11 infrastructure initiatives.
These include the proposed construction of an 11-storey library, School of Public Health and Dentistry buildings, related works at the College of Health Sciences and consultancy services for a proposed digital centre.
The allegations are linked to a financial crisis that paralysed learning at the institution earlier this year. Investigators aim to establish the extent to which corruption contributed to the university’s financial woes, staff strikes and operational disruptions.
A forensic audit covering the past five financial years has also been recommended by the Parliamentary Public Investments Committee on Education.
Last year, amid the crisis, the National Treasury released Sh2.9 billion to cover salary arrears and urgent operational needs. The university was also directed to right-size its workforce and has since laid off more than 800 staff in an effort to cut costs and avert collapse.
Following concerns raised by the National Assembly Education Committee over the “pathetic state of infrastructure” and governance challenges, the government initiated a leadership overhaul at the institution. Prof Kiplagat Kotut was appointed acting Vice-Chancellor earlier this year to stabilise operations and restore confidence.
Moi University has further been tasked with boosting internal revenue by leveraging idle assets, expanding short-term training programmes and strengthening consultancy services. It also plans to raise Sh700 million through the sale of some of its properties.
