JKUAT Vice-Chancellor Grilled Over Financial Mismanagement Allegations
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) Vice-Chancellor Victoria Ngumi faced a tough interrogation before the National Assembly on Wednesday over allegations of financial mismanagement at the institution.
Members of the National Assembly questioned Ngumi’s leadership regarding irregular entertainment allowance payments, where some staff members allegedly received up to KSh 2 million each without approval from the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC). Accompanied by the university’s finance officers, Ngumi struggled to justify the payments as the National Assembly Committee on Public Investments, Governance, and Education, chaired by Jack Wamboka, flagged multiple cases of financial irregularities.
Legislators raised concerns over the lack of SRC approval, stating that the payments may have breached financial regulations. In her defense, Ngumi insisted that the allowances were part of a negotiated agreement between the University Council and the staff union.
“Entertainment allowance at the university is a negotiated item between the University Council and the unions. It is not everybody who gets it; those who are in the CBA get it, and it can be up to the tune of KSh 2 million,” she explained.
However, upon further questioning, the Chief Finance Officer admitted that the payments had not received the necessary approvals. This admission intensified scrutiny, with MPs demanding explanations on why such large sums were disbursed without proper authorization.
Frustrated by the revelations, the committee called for the immediate removal of JKUAT’s Chief Finance Officer and Head of Procurement, holding them responsible for alleged negligence and mismanagement of public resources.
“This is gross and quite unprecedented, honourable members. We find the two not fit to hold public office, and we will be moving to seek approval from the floor of the House. Once that happens, we do not think they will have any space,” Wamboka stated.
Beyond the questionable allowances, MPs urged JKUAT to explore sustainable financial solutions. Lawmakers called on the institution to leverage its technological expertise, commercialize research, and fully utilize its vast assets, valued at approximately KSh 25 billion, to generate additional revenue.
“JKUAT needs to leverage its technological capabilities from within the institution to increase its revenue,” said MP Bisau Kaikai.
Francis Sigei suggested that the university should capitalize on its land resources for agricultural purposes, including farming and livestock rearing, or consider leasing part of it under Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to boost income.
The matter is expected to be debated further when Parliament resumes, as lawmakers push for greater accountability in public universities. The scandal highlights the growing concerns over financial mismanagement in Kenya’s higher education sector, raising questions about oversight and governance in institutions entrusted with billions in public funds.
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JKUAT Vice-Chancellor Grilled Over Financial Mismanagement Allegations