Universities are being called to explore innovative solutions to address severe financial challenges affecting many institutions across the country.
This call was made during an inspection by the National Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee at the Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) and Pwani University, the two oldest institutions in Kenya’s Coastal region. Committee members noted that, given the reduction in government funding, universities must seek alternative income sources.
TUM’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Laila Abubakar, faced scrutiny for delayed submission of critical audit documents to the Auditor General’s office. Additionally, the committee discovered that public funds were used to construct facilities on land not yet officially registered as university property. Committee Chair and Bumula MP, Jack Wamboka, instructed Professor Abubakar to reappear before the committee with all necessary documentation after submitting it to the Auditor General.
At Pwani University, the management was questioned over an honoraria payment of Ksh3,098,000 issued in cash, outside the payroll system, and without Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) approval. VC Professor James Kahindi clarified that these funds, allocated as Ksh2,000 lunch stipends for the board of examiners, were within the nontaxable threshold under university policy.
Professor Kahindi also raised concerns over squatters and land grabbers encroaching on university land, requesting the committee’s intervention. Wamboka’s team recommended that Pwani University obtain a court order to evict those illegally occupying university property.
The committee’s directives underscore the urgent need for universities to secure institutional assets and identify sustainable funding strategies amid growing financial strain.
