The National Assembly’s Audit Committee on Public Investment- Education and Governance now wants the Management of the Kenya School of Law led by the C.E.O Henry Kibet Mutai investigated, and prosecuted for flouting procurement laws and undertaking irregular awards of contracts and purchases.

The Committee, chaired by Bumula MP Hon. Wanami Wamboka today undertook a site visit of the KSL to ascertain progress of the construction of an Ultra-Modern Library and Moot Courts, which commenced on 24 June,2013 at an estimated cost of Kshs. 488,704,449. A spot check at the facility, which the institution told the Legislators is currently 97% complete, indicates shoddy work done on the finishing.

“The construction period was three years and the Project was expected to be completed by September,2016. By 30 June, 2022, a total of Kshs. 322,940,902 had been paid to the contractor.” Read a report by the office of the Auditor General.

During the meeting with the KSL management team led by the CEO Dr. Mutai , the Legislators sought answers to the various audit queries raised from the institution’s financial statements, most of which the CEO and Accountant seemed uncertain of their state of resolution, making contradictory statements before the MPs.

“We find the Finance Officer incompetent, negligent, and unfit to serve in an institution like KSL” said chairperson Hon. Wamboka.

Also key among the issues of concern to the Committee is the failure to use an Integrated Enterprises Resource Planning (ERP), a system which was expected to automate the School's functions to enable integrated management of KSL Core Business processes in real-time.

“There seems to be a lot of disconnection between the CEO and the officers. The legal counsel , ICT team, Finance and Procurement officers were not present during the Audit and Verification process of this system, pointing to sheer negligence of critical processes.” Stated Hon. Francis Sigei.

According to the Auditors, the School Management entered into a contract with Ms. ABNO Software's International Limited on 27 June, 2018 for supply, delivery, installation, configuration, testing and implementation of an ERP system at a cost of Kshs. 14,998,510 through tender No.KSL/002/2017-2018.

“Taking responsibility for the unanswered queries raised by the Auditor General makes you an accomplice in this case Mr. CEO.” Warned Hon. Alfah Miruka.

Following the consistent failure by the CEO to furnish the Committee with sufficient information, the chairperson imposed a Kshs. 500,000 fine on the CEO payable to the clerk of the National Assembly.

“ I therefore invoke Section 191 (a) of the National Assembly Standing Orders, as we find it very difficult to get answers from the CEO. “ Stated Hon. Wamboka. “You’re hereby ordered to pay a fine of Kshs. 500,000 payable to the Clerk, from personal coffers, andnot the institution’s money. Bring the Banker’s Cheque to our next meeting in a week’s time.”

Urging for the intervention of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, the Committee has termed the lack of accountability by KSL’ management criminal and worthy of investigation.

“It is not acceptable that this Committee has come here thrice to follow up on the same audit matters that have remained unresolved for years. There ought to be repercussions for such negligence.” Concluded Hon. Moses Kirima.