This archive report was first published on 9 November 2019.
Located in the lush tea-growing highlands of Kericho, the University of Kabianga has been plagued by tribalism and corruption, threatening its academic standards and infrastructure development.
On November 8, 2019, the university celebrated its 7th graduation ceremony, but the event was marred by questions about the leadership arrangement, dominated by the Kalenjins.
Prof. Kipngeno, the Vice-Chancellor, is at the center of the controversy, with a management board that boasts of several Kalenjin members, including Prof. Eric Koech, CPA Willy Koech, and Dr. Cecillia Sang.
Out of the 8 management board members, only three individuals are from other tribes: Prof. Elijah Omwenga, Prof. Maurice Oduor, and Ms. Ayuma Robai.
The university's directors section is also dominated by Kalenjins, with Dr. Janet Kombich, Mr. Kipkirui Rono, and Dr. Erick Mibei holding key positions.
A damning report by the outgoing Auditor General Edward Ouko revealed widespread financial mismanagement, including a questionable Pineapple plant project worth Sh1.075 billion.
Dr. Florence Nyamu, the council chairman, has defended the project, stating that it was on course, but the university's students are a dejected lot, with many negative happenings blamed on the style of leadership setup.
