The entrance to the University of Nairobi.
The Ethics Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) is investigating alleged fraud involving properties worth billions of shillings that belong to the University of Nairobi.
The Nation has seen a letter written by the EACC to the acting vice chancellor of UoN Prof Margaret Hutchinson, asking her to provide documents on properties belonging to the university whose acquisition and leases it is investigating. She has been given up to Monday, April 7, 2025, to do so.
The properties under investigation include hundreds of acres of prime properties in and outside of Nairobi County as well as residential houses in upmarket suburbs of Lavington, Ngong Road, Arboretum Drive and Spring Valley.
In the letter, the EACC requested for documents and information regarding the institution’s properties.
The commission is investigating allegations of irregular and unlawful leasing out of the parcels of land owned by Kenya’s biggest universality including 10 acres in Kanyariri farm, 40 acres behind ANP hostels in Loresho, 100 acres in Kibwezi Field Station and 20 acres leased to Shamba Cafe Hotel in Loresho Ridge, Nairobi.
Others are six acres next to Dusit Hotel and Spring Valley next to shopping centre.
“In order to finalise on our investigations, kindly but urgently forward the following documents and information in relation to the above listed parcels lease or tenancy agreements, minutes approving the leases or tenancies, correspondences between the University and leasing the parcels, proof of any change of user to the land if any and any other relevant documents or information,” reads EACC in the letter.
Integrity Centre in Nairobi which houses the Ethics and Anti Corruption Commission offices.
This comes as the Universities Academic Staff Union (Uasu), also called for the probing into the financial management of the university.
Uasu chapter secretary of UoN Dr Maloba Wekesa said the Auditor General’s report raises queries about some of the properties.
“Auditor General queries raised various questions including leases of University Land specifically, Lower Kabete Road LR No. 1870/111/71, Kayahwe Road House LR No. 1/203, Spring Valley LR No. 7468/9 and Old Council Offices in Hurlingham,” said Dr Wekesa in a letter inviting the EACC to carry out investigations.
The UASU official said the Auditor General report stated that no information was provided on how the lessors were identified and the income stream from the rented out properties could not be identifiable in the University's income.
Further, in one of the parcels of land, the Auditor General notes that 'the parcel is leased out to an unknown person, he added.
"Further, the Auditor General has noted massive irregularities in funds administration for the proposed construction of University of Nairobi, Engineering and Science Complex. Notably, close to Sh100 million has been spent mainly on payment of allowances and a feasibility study with nothing else to show on the ground,” said Dr Wekesa.
UASU notes that these irregular and illegal payments of personal allowances to one Mr Brian Ouma have continued unabated for over 10 years, totaling more than Sh12 million.
“We have witnessed a perfunctory dramatization from the university council while the status quo in the position of and earnings for the Director of University Advancement has obtained. We take exception to this dereliction of duty from the University Chair and Council,” said the union’s official in a letter.
UASU asked the EACC to commence immediate investigations and criminal action against those found culpable of embezzling public funds as pointed out by the Auditor General.
The union wants the commission to recover all public funds lost in the irregular payments and a cancellation of all illegal land deals.
The union wants the commission to move with speed to stop further continued illegal payments to the holder of the Office of Director of Advancement as pointed out by the Auditor General.
“Restoring public faith in the University of Nairobi fiduciary system is of prime importance to all stakeholders in the University Community. We look forward to your expeditious handling of these matters,” said Dr Wekesa.
But while appearing before the National Assembly, Education Committee, Prof Hutchinson said the current and historical pending bills at the university stand at Sh13 billion, including Kenya Revenue Authority, Pension Contribution, NSSF, Housing Levy, Staff bank loans Insurance Companies and Staff Welfare.
“The Council shall constantly review the viability and financial sustainability of the University, and shall do so once every year. The Council shall ensure that the University complies with all the relevant laws, regulations, governance practices, accounting and auditing standards according to Section 14 (2) of the Charter and the University of Nairobi Statute III,” said Prof Hutchinson, the Acting VC.
