National Museums of Kenya on verge of insolvency, Mzalendo Kibunjia says

The National Museums of Kenya has a debt of Sh800 million and is on the verge of insolvency, its new director-general, Mzalendo Kibunjia, has said.

Dr Kibunjia told the Public Investments Committee the parastatal has had perennial poor record-keeping, which has resulted in numerous queries by the Auditor-General.

“We are facing unprecedented problems. Unless we get a rescue package, we will be on our knees soon,” Dr Kibunjia told the committee chaired by Eldas MP Adan Keynan.

He said some of the donors the parastatal used to rely on to manage historical sites and fund projects have withdrawn due to financial mismanagement.

He said some historical sites needed urgent maintenance and gave as an example of Fort Jesus in Mombasa that needs Sh100 million for repairs but was allocated a paltry Sh20 million.

The Fort Jesus was declared a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco).

“Fort Jesus is almost going into the ocean,” Dr Kibunjia said.

Dr Kibunjia and officials from NMK were meeting the PIC to respond to audit queries from the 2001/2002 to 2012/2013 financial years.

JOMO KENYATTA'S TOMB

The issues raised ranged from failure to survey and ascertain the correct value of NMK land, failure to account for project funds, irregular procurement of goods and services and failure to remit statutory deductions such as Pay As You Earn.

Dr Kibunjia and the team were unable to offer satisfactory answers on the basis that most of them were recently appointed.

“The CEO is owning up that the organisation is technically and financially insolvent,” said Mr Keynan.

He said Dr Kibunjia should come up with better ways of managing NMK, which would include taking over sites that could generate income such as the tomb of Jomo Kenyatta at Parliament Buildings.

Chuka/Igambang’ombe MP Muthomi Njuki is reported to have drafted a motion for approval by the House to make that possible.

“Anywhere in the world, such a thing as the tomb of a country’s founding father should generate a lot of income,” said Mr Keynan.

Dr Kibunjia was told that as much as NMK ought to get more money from the government, it should also hold accountable those who misused funds in the past.

The NMK team was given two weeks to puts its papers in order and respond to the queries raised by the Auditor-General.

Baringo Central MP Sammy Mwaita asked Dr Kibunjia to submit a list of the donors who have funded NMK over the last 20 years and also prepare an inventory of land allegedly grabbed by individuals.