By Kepher Otieno - Reporter
Kenya, 10 July 2026 - The ambitious KSh 844 million student hostel project at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) has been thrust back into the national spotlight after Members of Parliament ordered a fresh investigation into the project, citing unresolved audit concerns and gaps in financial accountability.
The move signals a tightening noose around public institutions undertaking multi-million-shilling infrastructure projects as Parliament steps up oversight of taxpayer-funded investments amid growing pressure to curb wastage and ensure value for money.
Appearing before the National Assembly's Public Investments Committee on Governance and Education, university officials found themselves under intense questioning over issues raised by Auditor-General Nancy Gathungu regarding the construction of the modern hostel facility.
The legislators said the audit findings had exposed questions that could not be ignored, particularly on procurement procedures, project implementation and expenditure.
Committee Chairperson Jack Wamboka said Parliament would not allow public funds to be spent without full accountability.
"We are not here to frustrate development projects," Wamboka told the university management.
"Our responsibility is to ensure every shilling appropriated by Parliament is properly accounted for. Where the Auditor-General raises concerns, those issues must be addressed comprehensively."
The committee directed the university to submit all procurement documents, contract agreements, payment records, bills of quantities, project variations and other supporting documents to facilitate a fresh examination of the project.
Lawmakers maintained that the explanations presented by the university did not adequately address the issues flagged in the audit report.
Auditor-General Nancy Gathungu had questioned aspects of the project's financial management, prompting Parliament to seek further clarification before closing the matter.
"The audit queries are not mere technicalities," committee members observed. "They point to possible weaknesses in financial management that require a thorough review."
The hostel project was conceived as a major investment to tackle the growing shortage of student accommodation at the Bondo-based university, where enrolment has steadily increased over the years.
The facility is expected to improve students' welfare by providing safe, modern and affordable accommodation while reducing pressure on privately owned hostels surrounding the institution.
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However, what was intended to become a flagship infrastructure project is now attracting attention for reasons far removed from its original objective.
The renewed parliamentary scrutiny comes at a time when public universities are grappling with financial challenges, forcing legislators to insist that every capital project must deliver value to taxpayers.
MPs warned that universities cannot expect Parliament to continue allocating billions of shillings for development if accountability standards are not upheld.
They emphasised that institutions of higher learning should set the benchmark in governance and prudent management of public resources.
The committee further warned that should the fresh review uncover evidence of financial irregularities or breaches of procurement laws, those found responsible would face the full force of the law.
University officials, while responding to the committee, defended the project and pledged full cooperation with Parliament.
They assured MPs that all documents requested would be submitted and expressed confidence that the project was implemented within the law.
The latest probe reflects a broader shift by Parliament towards more aggressive oversight of public spending, with legislators increasingly demanding transparency in the execution of major infrastructure projects across government institutions.
For Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology, the fresh investigation now presents an opportunity to clear the air over one of its biggest capital investments. But until every audit question is answered to Parliament's satisfaction, the KSh 844 million hostel project is likely to remain under an intense national spotlight, serving as yet another test of accountability in Kenya's public sector.
JOOUST's KSh 844 Million Hostel Project Faces Fresh Scrutiny as MPs Demand Answers
Legislators want institutions of higher learning to set the benchmark in governance and prudent management of public resources.