Auditor General Want Private Universities That Deceived Govt In Sponsorship Scam To Refund Money

Members of Parliament have now summoned Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu in a probe on how Ksh.883.3 million was irregularly disbursed to government-sponsored students in private universities over the last 7 years.

This after a special audit conducted by the office of the Auditor General flagged several irregularities in the programme since its inception.

The audit has already recommended that 15 universities refund Ksh.219 million that they irregularly received from the public coffers.

It revealed that the government irregularly spent over Ksh.200 million on students who were not placed by the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS).

“The audit reveals that funds amounting to Ksh.201,638,928 were disbursed to 4,521 who are non bonafide GSS students in the private universities as they were not placed by KUCCPS,” the report indicates.

Auditor General Nancy Gathungu now wants the private universities to refund the taxpayers’ millions, terming the payment irregular.

“The private universities should refund Ksh.201,671,080 spent on students funded under GSS not placed by KUCCPS,” Gathungu recommended.

According to the audit report, Africa Nazarene University will refund Ksh.47 million for the 1,042 students who were not seconded by the KUCCPS.

Daystar University, according to the Auditor General’s document, will repay Ksh.57 million while KCA will refund Ksh.38,662,479.

Kisumu-based Great Lakes University will take back Ksh.3, 745,653, Kabarak (Ksh.550, 312), ILU (Ksh.128,329), KeMU (Ksh.3,087,704), Lukenya (Ksh.8,083,387), Marist (Ksh.409,593), Mount Kenya University (Ksh.1, 675, 263), MUA (Ksh.2,289,185) and Pioneer (Ksh.515, 374).

Gathungu also wants Scott University compelled to refund Ksh.3, 325, 662, St. Paul’s (Ksh.12, 312, 650) and Umma (Ksh.22, 242, 518).

The report that was tabled before the National Assembly’s Public Investment Committee on Governance and Education chaired by Bumula MP Wamboka Wanami has now kickstarted a probe.

As per the report, a total of Ksh.35,199,064 was irregularly disbursed on account of 788 students who had already graduated from the universities.

It further revealed that a total Ksh.35 million capitation money was irregularly channeled to graduates in eight universities during the period under review.

“In the circumstances, the eight private universities may have been overpaid by Ksh.35, 199, 064 disbursed for students who had already completed their studies and graduated,” the report indicates.