Members of Parliament, MPs have called for full governance autonomy in several newly formed Technical Training Institutes and Colleges which are struggling to operate independently from their parent institutions, raising concerns over governance and management gaps.
The National Assembly Public Investments Committee on Governance and Education, led by Bumula MP Wanami Wamboka, during the visit to Njoro Technical and Training Institute and Gilgil Technical and Vocational Training College urged these institutions to accelerate their transition to full autonomy to ensure they can efficiently deliver training and education.
The MPs also reviewed unresolved audit queries highlighted by the Auditor General, pointing to non-compliance with key operational requirements for higher learning institutions.
“It is appalling that an Institution with over a thousand students has no Human Resource Policy, no approved Budget, no Procurement plan, nor do they have an approved Information Technical Security Policy,” said MP Rebecca Tonkei.
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Njoro TTI, which enrolled its first students in January 2023 under the guidance of Kaiboi National Polytechnic, has begun putting in place essential policies.
The institute has also made progress in resolving some audit queries for the 2023/2024 financial year, signaling steps toward compliance.
Meanwhile, Gilgil TVC Principal Ngugi Mbugua faced scrutiny over governance deficiencies during a session chaired by Kilome MP Thaddeus Nzambia.
The MPs probed the college’s lack of a strategic plan, internal audit function, and Audit Committee, as well as the limited number of students currently enrolled.
“It seems the former Principal of Gilgil TVC ran the institution unlawfully, and flouted several guidelines, including procurement laws. As much as the college is new, the law must be followed in every operation,” Nzambia said.
The Committee encouraged Mbugua to collaborate with local leaders, including the Gilgil MP, to sponsor more students and boost enrolment, which currently stands at about 365.
The leaders stressed that establishing proper governance structures and achieving autonomy are critical for these institutions to thrive.
By Juma Ndigo
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