Moi University acting VC appeals to MPs intervention over stalled projects, poor facilities
The Moi University acting Vice Chancellor Kiplagat Kotut has begged for the intervention by Members of Parliament to intervene and ensure sufficient budgetary allocation to complete stalled projects at the institution.
Kotut and his management team were at pains to explain the multiple incomplete projects despite having spent millions on them, and their expected periods of completion had lapsed.
While undertaking an inspection visit of the facility, the Public Investments Committee on Governance, led by the Chairman and Bumula MP Wanami Wamboka, noted the deplorable conditions of the University’s facilities, including the Margaret Thatcher Library and several students’ hostels that lacked basics like light bulbs.
This is even as Kuresoi South MP Joseph Tonui raised doubts on the management of the University, whether they can propel it and rescue it from sinking.
“A school is as good as its management, and from what we’re seeing here today, the efficiency of Moi University Management is very questionable,” Tonui said.
A spot check by The Informer Media Group at the University’s main gate, which has been under construction for several years, revealed poor workmanship, with the MPs questioning if indeed the institution spent the reported Sh7million on it.
According to Bomachoge Chache MP Alfah Miruka, the cost of the gate was inflated, yet the work done is very substandard.
“It is very clear that the cost of this project was inflated. A simple look at the gate shows substandard work, with cracks already showing even before its completion,” Miruka said.
The construction of a multi-purpose amphitheatre by the University has also stalled, with barely 40 per cent of the work done.
“The architectural design seems to have been well thought-out, but what happened to prioritizing the most necessary projects first?” Lunga Lunga’s Chiforomodo Mangale questioned.
The Committee also toured other stalled projects, including Hostel buildings, the proposed School of Science, and the Digital Innovation Centre, all of which were not more than halfway complete.
“The Committee notes with concern that the school has many running projects that have all stalled, and we must emphasise the need to channel resources to complete one project before embarking on others since this leads to wastage of public resources,” Wamboka stated.
Further, the Committee visited the functional student hostels, where they noted their deplorable state, questioning why the management does not undertake regular renovations to keep them fit for students’ habitation.
“Something like fire extinguishers and light bulbs are basics that need to be part of these hostels,” Narok MP Rebecca Tonkei said
“Are the students even safe on these dimly lit corridors?” She questioned.
The Legislators also inspected the University staff quarters to assess their usability and established that most of them remain vacant, with a dire need for renovations if they are to ever be used again.
The MPs called on the management led by the acting VC to ensure the facilities of the university are in a good usable condition.
“We really urge the management to take charge and ensure that the facilities at this institution are in a usable condition for its clients, who are the students and staff.” Embakasi West legislator Mark Mwenje urged Kotut and the team.
The University’s Acting Vice Chancellor assured the MPs that the management is on the verge of making improvements to help the University regain its lost glory.
