KUCCPS Clarifies Sh883 Million Fund Irregularities in Private Universities
The alleged irregular disbursement of Sh883 million in capitation for private university students who had already graduated has been denied by the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS).
Dr. Mercy Wahome, the CEO of KUCCPS, emphasized that their legal mandate solely revolves around matters related to the placement of students in universities and colleges. She refuted a local paper’s article, stating that the Placement Service does not have the authority to disburse funds to higher learning institutions.
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KUCCPS, as per its legal mandate, coordinates the placement of government-sponsored students into universities and colleges.
However, Dr. Wahome clarified that the disbursement of funds is not within their purview. She underscored that KUCCPS does not disburse funds to universities and colleges, and their responsibilities are explicitly outlined in Section 56 of the Universities Act No. 42 of 2012.
In a special report, Auditor General Nancy Gathungu called for the refund of Sh219 million irregularly disbursed to 15 private universities by the exchequer. The report highlighted that these universities received funds for 4,521 government-sponsored students who had not been placed by KUCCPS.
An additional demand for a refund of Sh17,774,388 was made for students whose names were duplicated in the payment schedules.
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The Auditor General’s report revealed that Sh201,638,928 had been disbursed to non-bona fide government-sponsored students in private universities who were not placed by KUCCPS.
Gathungu has initiated an investigation into the irregular disbursement of Sh883 million to 32 private universities, including payments for students for periods exceeding the academic program duration.
Dr. Wahome reiterated that KUCCPS focuses on placing Form 4 students in universities and colleges while providing advice to the government on matters related to student placement.
The Placement Service also engages in data collection, develops career guidance programs, and disseminates information on available programs and their associated costs, aligning with its legislative mandate.
In response to the article, Dr. Wahome deemed it inaccurate, unfair, and a misrepresentation of both the Auditor General’s report and the KUCCPS mandate.
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KUCCPS Clarifies Sh883 Million Fund Irregularities in Private Universities
