Moi University has come under renewed parliamentary scrutiny after disclosing that it has accumulated pending bills amounting to Ksh9 billion, even as it seeks an additional Ksh1.9 billion for recurrent expenditure in the 2026/27 financial year.

The institution made the disclosure on Thursday, July 2, 2026, during a meeting with the National Assembly Committee on Education, where Members of Parliament sought an update on the university’s financial position and the implementation of previous recommendations on accountability, procurement reforms, governance and institutional controls.

The committee, chaired by Tinderet MP Julius Melly, met the university’s management led by Acting Vice-Chancellor Kiplagat Kotut.

University seeks additional funding

Prof. Kotut attributed the pending bills to deficits that have accumulated since 2014, saying the financial burden continues to affect the institution’s operations.

“We request that this Committee consider adding Ksh1.9 billion to support recurrent expenditure for FY 2026/27. Secondly, the issue of pending bills remains a major concern for us, and it currently stands at Ksh9 billion as a result of the university registering a deficit since 2014,” Kotut said.

The acting vice-chancellor urged the committee to consider the additional allocation to enable the university to meet its recurrent expenditure during the 2026/27 financial year.

MPs seek accountability

Melly said the committee convened the meeting to assess the university’s progress in addressing concerns raised in previous audit reports and earlier engagements with Parliament.

“We previously engaged the University regarding financial management and accountability following audit reports that raised concerns about financial irregularities, including misuse of funds in construction projects, unpaid bills, and other questionable transactions, which resulted in substantial financial losses,” Melly told the institution.

The committee also asked the university’s management to explain measures taken to restore public confidence and outline the immediate interventions implemented since assuming office.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Melly directed the Acting Vice-Chancellor and the university’s board of management to prepare and submit a detailed report addressing issues the committee found had not been adequately responded to during the session.

Enrolment on the rise

The university said it has made progress in restoring confidence among students and parents, citing a steady rise in enrolment and improvements in academic administration.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academics, Research, Extension and Student Affairs Khaemba Ongeti said student numbers have continued to increase under the current management.

“In 2024, the number of students was 5,000. This moved up to 6,800 last year, and this year we are seeing the number move to 10,000. What we have done is move students’ progress through the academic calendar and ensure they graduate on time. We are also sorting out the issue of missing marks,” Ongeti told the committee.

The Education Committee is expected to consider the report from the university before making further recommendations on its financial management and funding request for the 2026/27 financial year.