The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has launched investigations into allegations of corruption and mismanagement at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology.
The probe centers on a graduation ceremony held in October 2024, where six university officials are accused of accepting bribes to include over 200 unqualified students on the graduation list.
“Instead of sitting for supplementary examinations, the students colluded with university officials to bribe their way onto the graduation list,” the EACC spokesperson Eric Ngumbi stated.
“It is alleged that six university officials received bribes to facilitate the graduation of over 200 unqualified students,” he stated.
The commission has urged the university’s management to take administrative action against the implicated officials while the investigation continues.
Additionally, EACC is investigating the misappropriation of Ksh2.6 billion in the implementation of six capital projects at the institution. Payments for the projects were reportedly made despite their incomplete status.
“This is a new scandal reminiscent of what happened at Moi University,” EACC spokesperson Eric Ngumbi noted, alleging collusion between university officials, consultants, and contractors to defraud the institution.
The investigation at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University is part of a broader probe involving 18 public universities, including Moi University and the University of Nairobi, which are under scrutiny for financial irregularities, unethical practices, and academic fraud.
“What is emerging from reports received from 18 universities, it is clear that most of these problems are caused by serious leadership and governance problems,” the official added.
At Moi University, Vice-Chancellor Professor Isaac Kosgey recently faced EACC investigators over alleged embezzlement of Ksh2.2 billion in funds related to multiple infrastructure projects. After an eight-hour grilling, Kosgey said he had addressed the commission’s concerns, adding that he respected its work.
Moi University has also been grappling with a financial crisis, with debts exceeding Ksh8 billion. The institution has faced strikes by lecturers and staff over unpaid salaries, prolonged closures, and delayed programs for students. Medical students, for instance, have been stuck in a six-year course for over a decade due to interruptions.
Speaking during the State of the Nation Address on November 21, President William Ruto directed the immediate resolution of administrative issues at struggling institutions like Moi University. He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the newly introduced higher education funding model to stabilize universities financially.
“Recognizing the financial challenges raised by our universities, we introduced a new funding model. This model prioritizes the most vulnerable students while helping our institutions recover from the brink of collapse,” Ruto stated.
