The University of Nairobi (UoN) is under parliamentary scrutiny over Ksh7.4 million in unpaid rent to the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC), raising fresh questions about its financial management amid a leadership row.
During a meeting with the Public Investments Committee on Social Services, Administration, and Agriculture (PIC-SSAA) on Monday, KMTC highlighted how outstanding debts, including UoN’s arrears, have affected its operations. Documents presented revealed that UoN rented 96 KMTC rooms for medical students but has failed to settle payments. Despite receiving an eviction notice in July 2018, the university has neither vacated the premises nor addressed the debt.
KMTC CEO Dr. Kelly Oluoch told lawmakers, led by Saboti MP Caleb Amisi, that the matter had been escalated to the Attorney-General and the Head of Public Service, with legal documents confirming KMTC’s ownership of the property.
The revelations come as UoN grapples with a leadership dispute. Former VC Stephen Kiama’s removal in late 2024 prompted the council to appoint Margaret Jesang Hutchinson as Acting Vice Chancellor—a move later endorsed by the Ministry of Education. Tensions escalated in May 2025 when the council attempted to install Bitange Ndemo as VC, a process the ministry disowned due to alleged procedural breaches. Ndemo eventually withdrew his candidacy.
Parliamentary discussions also touched on KMTC’s wider financial challenges. The college is seeking Treasury guidance to write off long-outstanding debts, including Ksh21.8 million from Kenyatta National Hospital and Ksh19.8 million from the former Ministry of Medical Services. Lawmakers also raised concerns over a Ksh2.125 billion pension deficit within KMTC’s defined benefit scheme.
Dr. Oluoch warned that financing remedial pension measures from student fees could threaten long-term liquidity, urging Treasury intervention. The committee resolved to invite the Retirement Benefits Authority (RBA) and Treasury officials to examine systemic issues affecting public institutions’ pension schemes.
