Whistleblower Challenges Appointment of Prof. Ahmed Osman Warfa as Garissa University Vice-Chancellor
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A concerned citizen and whistleblower have formally raised concerns regarding the suitability of Prof. Ahmed Osman Warfa to serve as Vice-Chancellor (VC) of Garissa University.
In a letter addressed to the Principal Secretary, State Department of University Education and Research, Nairobi, dated 1st October 2024, serious allegations of incompetence, corruption, and favoritism were brought forward against Prof. Warfa, who has served as the Acting Vice-Chancellor of the university for several years.
A Controversial Tenure
Whistle Blower argues that Prof. Warfa has already completed the maximum allowable term for a Vice Chancellor, having served in acting and full leadership roles since 2014. According to Kenya’s Universities Act No. 42 of 2012, a Vice Chancellor’s term should not exceed ten years, a limit Prof. Warfa has surpassed.
Despite the position being advertised in March 2024, and interviews held on July 5, 2024, Prof. Warfa was shortlisted among other candidates.
However, claims have surfaced that a senior politician from the county is pushing for his permanent appointment.
This situation has sparked outrage among stakeholders, who question whether the university is prioritizing merit and transparency in its recruitment process. According to the whistleblower, Warfa’s tenure has been plagued by maladministration, including negligence, corruption, and violation of public service policies.
Allegations of Corruption and Mismanagement
Since the 2022/23 Financial Year, the university has spent over Ksh 67 million on renovation projects deemed unnecessary and overpriced. In 2023/24, the university expended Ksh 43.7 million on renovations including the conversion of staff houses into offices, with Ksh 4.9 million allocated for turning one staff house into a procurement office.
The whistleblower claims that these projects were used as a vehicle for “budgeted corruption”, alleging that kickbacks were involved in the procurement process, facilitated through collusion with Garissa’s Public Works Office.
Additionally, Prof. Warfa is accused of overseeing mismanagement of major development projects, such as the 750-student hostel, which remains incomplete despite payments exceeding Ksh 6 million. An ERP system purchased for Ksh 16 million and an ICT infrastructure project worth Ksh 32 million have also not been implemented.
Maladministration and Favoritism
Further accusations involve the misinterpretation of procurement laws to inflate the cost of commodities and equipment.
The whistleblower accuses Prof. Warfa of nepotism, noting that 90% of new staff recruited in the last five years are from his ethnic group, the Somali community.
Of the 44 leadership positions within the university, 29 are held by Muslim-Somalis, including several of his relatives. This alleged favoritism has raised concerns about the inclusivity and diversity of the institution’s leadership.
Irregular appointments and promotions have also occurred under Warfa’s watch, violating university recruitment policies. One glaring example is the promotion of an individual from tutorial fellow to Head of Human Resources while still on probation. Moreover, Prof. Warfa allegedly allowed unskilled casual workers to be converted to permanent employees without proper assessment.
Questionable Leadership and Financial Mismanagement
Reports have surfaced of Prof. Warfa failing to adhere to budgetary control measures, with Ksh 18.2 million in unrealized revenue during the 2022/23 FY, and employee costs exceeding the approved budget by Ksh 2.8 million. Auditors have expressed concerns about the university’s ability to sustain its operations, citing Ksh 84.3 million in current liabilities against Ksh 43.6 million in assets, suggesting the institution may struggle to meet its financial obligations.
Next Steps
With these mounting concerns, the whistleblower has urged the Ministry of Education to reconsider the appointment of Prof. Warfa and to ensure a transparent, merit-based process for the position of Vice-Chancellor at Garissa University. As the university grapples with these revelations, stakeholders are calling for a thorough investigation to restore integrity and accountability at the institution.
The allegations against Prof. Warfa, if proven true, could significantly impact the future of Garissa University, raising questions about leadership, governance, and the misuse of public resources in higher education institutions in Kenya.
Nakuru Times Reporter
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