The Public Investments Committee on Education and Governance, chaired by Jack Wamboka, has intensified efforts to tackle financial mismanagement in institutions of higher learning, signaling the end of laxity in audit accountability.
During an engagement with university and college heads Wamboka declared that failure to comply with audit regulations is not only irresponsible but also illegal, emphasizing that Vice Chancellors and Principals will be held personally accountable. The committee noted the recurring trend of delayed and inaccurate financial reporting, which often allows unresolved issues to carry over into subsequent audit cycles.
Chuka University was singled out for managing four development projects simultaneously, a practice that raised concerns over oversight and planning. However, after halting new projects and refocusing on completing ongoing ones, the university received a clean audit the following year, earning praise for Vice Chancellor Prof. Henry Mutembei.
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Meanwhile, Kiirua Technical Training Institute was flagged for disbursing over Ksh1.74 million in board allowances without the necessary approval from the Cabinet Secretary.
The committee ordered a full recovery of the funds and criticized the institution for ethnic homogeneity in its hiring practices, with 93% of staff drawn from a single ethnic group, directly violating inclusivity requirements. The institute was given a two-year window to address the issue.
Karatina University also came under scrutiny after revelations that a former Vice Chancellor received both a transport allowance and an official vehicle, as well as a last-minute KSh 12.49 million gratuity paid just two days before their contract expired, without formal clearance. The current Vice Chancellor, Prof. Linus Muthuri, was tasked with recovering the funds within six months.
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Audit findings from Nachu Technical and Vocational College, under the leadership of Principal Magdalene Mwachofi, revealed additional concerns, including non-registration with the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner despite handling sensitive personal information. The college also violated ethnic diversity laws, with 58% of its staff drawn from a single community, and failed to adequately document the value and ownership of its land assets.
The Committee issued a stern warning that institutions must urgently address these discrepancies or face increased parliamentary scrutiny in future sessions. This crackdown signals a renewed push for transparency, accountability, and adherence to governance protocols within Kenya’s education sector.
By Masaki Enock
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