The Technical University of Kenya has dismissed reports that
the institution has temporarily been closed over financial challenges.
The university said a letter purportedly written to members
of staff and student fraternity informing them of the closure is fake.
“Treat this document circulated online as fake. The
University has not been closed. Classes
and normal operations are on,” the institution said.
The letter dated April 17, 2025, stated that the closure
follows the declaration of insolvency by the management and the institution's
financial crisis.
It said the Technical University would be closed with effect
from Monday, April 21.
“The university will remain closed for three
months or until a satisfactory agreement has been reached on the way
forward. During this, you will not be allowed within university premises,” it
said.
“We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we work
towards resolving the institution’s financial challenges.”
TUK is under renewed scrutiny from Parliament due to
longstanding financial difficulties that have paralysed operations and
disrupted learning.
The National Assembly’s Public Investments Committee (PIC)
on Governance and Education has directed the Office of the Auditor-General to
conduct a comprehensive audit of the university’s finances.
The exercise, set to span three months, will cover the period
from 2013, when the institution received its charter, to date.
The institution is faced with a deepening financial crisis
marked by a Sh12 billion debt and persistent salary delays for staff.
The crisis has largely been blamed on a bloated workforce
that exceeds the institution’s operational capacity, with payroll consuming
Sh270 million monthly
On April 17, 2025, Benedict Mutua, TUK’s Deputy Vice
Chancellor, revealed to the National Assembly’s Committee on Education that,
“Since 2013, honestly, no TUK employee has received a full salary.”
Besides the salary backlog, TUK hasn’t been remitting
employee deductions for years.
Mutua said over Sh5 billion meant for pension funds remains unremitted, significantly adding to the university’s debt woes.
