Former Baringo Senator Gideon Moi has been called to appear before Parliament to provide clarification on a land dispute involving the Rift Valley Institute of Science and Technology.
The summons extends to other board members as well, as they are expected to update the status of approximately 5,000 acres of land associated with the institution. This land, valued at Sh1.08 billion, is currently held in trust by Moi and the board of trustees, encompassing both the 200-acre plot where the institute is situated and an additional 5,000 acres. The Public Investments Committee on Governance and Education has placed Moi under scrutiny, expressing opposition to the concept of public institutional land being managed by private entities.
During a committee hearing, it was revealed that the land housing the college was acquired in 1972 through community fundraising efforts. Subsequently, a board of trustees was appointed to oversee the land on behalf of the community. However, Moi and his associates have yet to transfer the 5,000-acre parcel to the college. An audit report for the financial year ending June 2020 highlighted several concerns, including missing title deeds and a lack of crucial information such as acquisition dates, costs, and asset locations. This prompted the committee to investigate the 200-acre plot further.
Sammy Chemoiwa, the Institute’s principal, has confirmed that only 200 acres could be accounted for as this is where the Rift Valley Institute of Science and Technology operates. Chemoiwa acknowledges the absence of title deeds and suggests that if all the land were to be returned to the institution, its management should be entrusted to another entity due to sustainability concerns.
Bumula MP Wanami Wamboka, who chairs the committee, accused Moi and his fellow trustees of unlawfully retaining the land, citing the TVETS Act 2014. This legislation stipulates that training in Kenya can only be offered by accredited, licensed, and registered institutions. To further investigate the matter, the committee has planned a visit to the disputed lands next month to determine the rightful owners of both parcels.