Former Baringo Senator Gideon Moi has been summoned by Members of Parliament to clarify the ownership status of 200 acres of land, valued at Sh1.08 billion, which he and other trustees hold on behalf of the Rift Valley National Polytechnic. The move comes amid growing concerns about the management of land allocated to public institutions.
Moi, who serves as the chair of the board of trustees for the institution (formerly Rift Valley Institute of Science and Technology), is expected to appear alongside other members to address these concerns. The Public Investments Committee on Governance and Education, led by Bumula MP Wamboka Wanami, is seeking explanations about the 200-acre property and an additional 5,000 acres that are still under the control of another entity.
“The situation is illegal. If the late President Moi intended to donate land, it should have been his personal property. Land meant for public institutions must remain under their ownership. This is why we are summoning Gideon Moi to provide clarity,” Wamboka stated.
The committee emphasized that land designated for public institutions like the Rift Valley National Polytechnic should not be under private control. Wamboka noted that this concern stems from the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Act of 2014, which requires all assets, including land, to be fully transferred to such institutions.
The 200-acre land was initially allocated to the polytechnic in 1972 by the late President Daniel Moi after it was purchased by members of the public and entrusted to a board of trustees. However, the committee has raised concerns that the land still hasn’t been transferred to the institution as required by law.
Wamboka further announced that the committee plans to visit the institution in two weeks to investigate why the transfer of land has not been completed. “We intend to return the land to the public, regardless of the institution’s stance on the matter,” he affirmed.
Concerns Over Leadership and Land Management
The issue of land management has also put a spotlight on the institution’s long-serving principal, Sammy Chemoiwa. Kiminini MP Kakai Bisau raised questions over Chemoiwa’s 18-year tenure, during which he has reportedly been unaware of the full extent of the institution’s land holdings. Chemoiwa admitted to the committee that the title deeds for the land are currently held by trustees and not the polytechnic itself.
“It is true we do not hold the titles. However, I believe the land should be managed by someone else if it is returned, as I do not see how its sustainability can be ensured under my leadership,” Chemoiwa said.
In response, committee members questioned Chemoiwa’s competence, with Wamboka suggesting that a new principal might be necessary to manage the institution and its assets effectively. “Mr. Principal, it’s clear you’re conflicted. If you feel you can’t manage the land, we will find someone who can,” Wamboka emphasized.
Auditor General’s Report Highlights Concerns
The committee’s inquiry follows concerns raised by Auditor General Nancy Gathungu’s report for the financial year ending June 2020. The report flagged issues with the institution’s fixed asset register, including missing title deeds and essential details such as acquisition dates, costs, and asset locations.
“As of June 30, 2020, non-current assets were valued at Ksh1.1 billion. However, the asset register lacked critical details, undermining its reliability for asset control,” the report stated.
The findings have prompted the MPs to seek accountability and ensure that assets meant for public use are appropriately managed and recorded. The upcoming sessions with Gideon Moi and other trustees are expected to provide clarity on the legal and administrative processes regarding the land, with a focus on ensuring compliance with the TVET Act and safeguarding public assets.