Former Senator Gideon Moi Summoned Over KSh1.08 Billion Rift Valley Institute Land Dispute

Former Baringo Senator Gideon Moi is under scrutiny as Parliament's Public Investments Committee (PIC) investigates his involvement in the management of two valuable parcels of land belonging to the Rift Valley Institute of Science and Technology (RVIST). The land, valued at KSh1.08 billion, includes 200 acres currently housing the institute and an additional 5,000 acres, both of which have raised concerns about transparency and accountability.

Parliament has summoned Moi, alongside other trustees, to provide a detailed explanation on the management of the land held in trust for the institution. Despite the land's original acquisition in 1972 through a community-led fundraiser, the trustees have yet to return the 5,000 acres to RVIST.

At the heart of the investigation is the revelation that the institute does not hold title deeds for the land, an issue that prompted RVIST Principal Sammy Chemoiwa to express doubts over the institute's ability to manage such a vast expanse of land sustainably. "We operate within 200 acres, and we do not have title deeds for the rest. In my honest opinion, even if we were given the entire 5,000 acres, managing it would be a challenge," Chemoiwa admitted to the committee.

This disclosure has ignited debate, with PIC Chairman Bumula MP Wanami Wamboka accusing Moi and the trustees of illegally holding onto public land, citing the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Act of 2014. The act mandates that only accredited and licensed institutions can offer training on such land, raising concerns over the legality of the trustees’ continued hold.

The investigation underscores larger questions around the governance of public resources in Kenya, with potential legal and financial implications looming over those involved. As the saga unfolds, it remains to be seen whether the 5,000 acres will be returned to RVIST or if further legal action will follow.