Mombasa Technical University has found itself under investigations for making purchases of ridiculously overpriced television sets.
This was received in an audit report that indicated the institution bought five television sets for Ksh4.5 million.
The report by Auditor General Edward Ouko was tabled in parliament on Wednesday, February 13.
Majority Leader Aden Duale, who tabled the report, informed the members of the House that the electronic devices were procured through requests for quotations, which is contrary to the requirements of the Public Procurement and Disposal Act, 2005.
In an effort to cover the possibilities that the purchase was insensible, the institutions insisted that the TVs were the recently introduced Smart TVs in the market.
Review of the report also revealed that albeit the order was for 70-inch TVs, 65-inch TVs were delivered and a total of Ksh 4,533,448 paid for them.
Such means that each TV set cost the institution Ksh 910,689.
The average price of a 65-inch TV in Kenya is Ksh 150,000 which means the five sets the University bought should have cost approximately Ksh 750,000.
A section of the report by Ouko read, “A review of the matter in the current year indicates that the matter is still pending in court.”
What is more, is that the Mombasa-based institution of higher learning is also on the spot for overspending a whooping Ksh294 million on personal emoluments.
The report also indicates, “The funds could have been allocated to other deserving areas that would improve delivery of goods and service to the University. This may also be an indication of poor planning and the management may need to rethink on its budget-making process in view of focusing on more priority areas.”
