UoN seeks EACC probe into Sh468m faculty service payments fraud

The University of Nairobi has written to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission seeking an investigation into alleged fraud and abuse of office in Direct Service Providers payments at the Faculty of Business and Management Sciences, citing possible mismanagement of Sh 468 million over five years.

 In a letter to the commission dated February 12, the university's council said an internal audit revealed irregularities in the allocation and disbursement of funds  meant to support teaching under Module II (Parallel Programmes). The council cited fraudulent claims, a lack of standardised payment rates, and undue influence by senior officials.

 “The audit report shows claims were generated manually, making them vulnerable to forgery and errors,” said Council Chair Amukowa Anangwe.

“Payments were made without proper scrutiny, and some officials received funds for work not done.”

 The council named five officials, including course coordinators and the faculty dean, who allegedly pocketed millions fraudulently. According to the letter, Course Coordinator Dominic Murage Njeru received Sh 19.6 million, Faculty Dean James Muranga Njihia Sh 19.2 million, while three other officials received between Sh 11 million and Sh 13.5 million.

 The university also requested an investigation into 385 individuals who received DSP funds over five years. The council said it lacks the internal capacity to recover the funds and called on EACC to take legal action where necessary.

 “The sums involved are colossal, and we believe this matter requires urgent intervention,” said Anangwe.

 The university said it will conduct an internal review for other individuals implicated in the audit and take disciplinary action where necessary.