Moi University Battles Sh9 Billion Debt Burden
Moi University is facing severe financial strain with accumulated pending bills reaching Sh9 billion since 2014.
Acting Vice-Chancellor Prof Kiplagat Kotut revealed the extent of the crisis while addressing the National Assembly's Education Committee. The institution has requested an extra Sh1.9 billion in recurrent funding for the 2026/27 financial year to keep operations running smoothly. These challenges stem from ongoing budget shortfalls that have built up over more than a decade.
The university management highlighted persistent deficits as the main cause behind the mounting unpaid bills. Prof Kotut emphasized the need for immediate support to cover day-to-day expenses and prevent further disruptions. Committee members, led by Tinderet MP Julius Melly, expressed concerns about past financial irregularities, including issues in procurement and construction projects. They sought updates on steps taken to improve accountability and restore public trust in the institution's governance.
Despite the financial hurdles, university officials noted positive developments in student enrolment. Numbers have grown from 5,000 in 2024 to 6,800 in 2025, with projections reaching 10,000 this year. This increase is attributed to better academic progress, timely graduations, and quicker resolution of missing marks. The committee directed the management to provide a detailed report addressing unresolved issues from previous audits.
As discussions continue, Moi University hopes for government intervention to ease its debt load and secure sustainable funding. The situation underscores broader challenges facing higher education institutions across the country in managing resources effectively. Stakeholders await the committee's recommendations on how to resolve these long-standing financial problems.
