Lawmakers have banned new projects in institutions of higher learning following revelations that projects worth Sh6.2 billion in four universities have stalled.

The universities are Egerton University, Moi University, the University of Nairobi and Kenyatta University. The completion rate of the projects ranges between one per cent and 69 per cent.

The MPs who sit on the Public Investments Committee (PIC), Governance and Education, chaired by Bumula MP Wamboka Wanami, said it is unacceptable that institutions of higher learning were funding new projects yet old projects had not been completed.

“We are putting an embargo on all new projects until all the old ones have been completed.” Said Wamboka.

The decision of the committee came after documents tabled before them by Education Cabinet Secretary Migos Ogamba show that Moi University has stalled projects worth Sh2.2 billion. They include construction of the faculty of science (Sh 412.4 million), construction of hostel accommodation (Sh184.5 million), construction of library at Annex Campus school of law phase I and II (Sh165.9 million),

Construction of PDN building (Sh337.5 million), construction of Hostel M of 2250 (Sh153.3 million), renovation and modernisation of hostels (Sh30.l9 million), construction of amphitheatre building at main campus (Sh570 million).

Kenyatta University has stalled projects amounting to Sh2.1 billion. The projects include construction of a children’s hospital (Sh1.3billion), school of business (Sh276.8 million), recreational centre (Sh295.8 million) and dairy tech farm (Sh282 million).

The University of Nairobi has stalled projects worth Sh1.2 billion which includes construction of school of Pharmacy (Sh920 million) and construction of halls of residence at lower Kabete campus (Sh329 million). Egerton University has stalled projects worth Sh593.77 million including the construction of science labs (Sh211.1 million) agriculture laboratories complex (Sh382.6 million).

“We wish to confirm to the committee that the reason these projects are stalled is due to lack of funding. We are actively seeking additional resources to ensure the completion of these projects.”Said Ogamba:

‘On TVET institutions, eight have been completed and handed over but have outstanding payments amounting to Sh31.89 million. The eight institutions with pending payments include West Mugirango TVC (Sh 7.4 million), Magarini TVC (Sh 2 million), Eldas TVC (Sh 3.4 million), Mbita TVC (Sh 4.6 million), Sirisia TVC (Sh 6.2 million), Rachuonyo TVC (Sh 2.1 million), Rarieda TVC (Sh 2.8 million) and Khwisero TVC (Sh 2.9 million).