Financial Woes Plague Public Universities Grappling with Legal Battles
In recent years, public universities across the nation have found themselves grappling with substantial financial burdens stemming from costly court settlements. These settlements, awarded over the past three years, have exacerbated existing challenges faced by these educational institutions, sparking concerns regarding their operational efficacy.
An investigative analysis sheds light on the extensive litigations lost by public universities between 2021 and 2023, painting a troubling financial landscape. Leading the pack in terms of incurred losses is the University of Nairobi, with a staggering total of Sh2.67 billion. Notably, this sum includes a monumental Sh1.49 billion awarded to Wathanangu Holdings Limited in a single case.
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Following closely are other universities such as Kisii University (Sh631 million), Egerton University (Sh196.4 million), Moi University (Sh131.3 million), and the Technical University of Kenya (Sh80.4 million), all grappling with significant financial setbacks.
The reasons behind these sizable losses vary, ranging from wrongful termination or dismissal cases to compensation for retrenched staff and breaches of contract, including unpaid debts to suppliers.
Details of these legal entanglements are unveiled in the 2024/2025 draft budget proposal document, readily accessible on the Treasury website.
Moi University, for instance, has faced substantial litigation costs, amounting to Sh131,264,928, with verdicts delivered between 2022 and 2023.
Noteworthy among these cases is a breach of contract ruling against Mediheal Hospital & Fertility Centre, resulting in a hefty payment of Sh126,867,110 plus an additional settlement sum. Similarly, other cases have incurred significant financial burdens on the institution.
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The Technical University of Kenya (TUK) is no stranger to legal battles, facing damages amounting to Sh80.4 million from various cases listed between 2021 and 2023. Among these is a notable case with the University and Academic Staff Union (UASU) and other disputes leading to substantial financial repercussions.
Meanwhile, Egerton University has grappled with its share of legal woes, including notable compensation payouts, such as the Sh116 million awarded to Diaspora Design Limited.
Similarly, Kisii University finds itself burdened with significant compensation liabilities, notably including a substantial payout to former employees rendered redundant.
The repercussions of these legal battles extend beyond mere financial strains, raising broader concerns about the overall stability and operational capacity of these esteemed institutions.
Public universities must navigate these challenges with prudence and foresight, ensuring that the pursuit of academic excellence remains undeterred amidst the turbulent waters of legal disputes.
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As these institutions strive to uphold their mandates of education and research, prudent management of resources and legal matters becomes paramount in safeguarding their future sustainability and integrity.
Financial Woes Plague Public Universities Grappling with Legal Battles
