Public Investments Committee on Governance and Education, chaired by Wanami Wamboka (Bumula), have raised concerns over the mismanagement in Higher learning institutions in Kenya, calling for immediate crack down on perpetrators.
The Committee which spent the day engaging a series of institutions to strengthen accountability in Kenya’s higher learning sector, called for the need to protect public funds while improving the quality of education for Kenyans who depend on these institutions.
The Committee during the morning engagement with the Kenya Private Security Regulatory Authority on its stalled staffing plan, urged the Director-General to avoid commitments that rely on approvals outside his control.
At Pwani University, Members questioned the absence of a Chancellor and raised multiple concerns around procurement, misclassified payments, and a Ksh 29 million expenditure that lacked proper documentation. The Auditor-General was directed to verify the financial trail and establish whether the institution complied with approval procedures.
Kiambu National Polytechnic also appeared before the Committee, with Members reviewing the handling of Ksh 2.8 million held in an account for a prolonged period. The Ministry of Education is required to respond on the utilization of the funds. Legislators acknowledged progress made in addressing earlier audit concerns.
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Appearing in the afternoon session Samburu Technical and Vocational College faced questions after generating only Ksh 76,000 in revenue over an entire year. Legislators challenged the management to explore realistic income-generating ventures such as livestock keeping and farming, reminding them that institutions must diversify beyond capitation.
At Moi Teachers Training College, the Committee found the Finance Officer unfit to hold office after it emerged he lacked the required professional qualifications and was not a member of ICPAK. The former Principal has also been summoned to address unanswered audit questions.
Moi University’s Head of Finance was deemed incompetent for failing to submit documentation on unaccounted legal fees to the Auditor-General. The former Vice-Chancellor will be required to explain why staff retirement benefits went unremitted under his tenure. Wamboka emphasised the gravity of the matter, noting that the committee seeks to “create solutions that protect pensioners.” The Committee will summon the last three Vice-Chancellors to fully understand the decline of the institution and further guide on continuity.
Despite the concerns, Members acknowledged the current Vice-Chancellor’s efforts in increasing student enrollment and reclaiming university land irregularly leased out. They encouraged him to rebuild the institution with sound leadership and strong governance.
This Committee will always ensure that public institutions are well-managed and remain accountable because Kenyan students, workers and taxpayers deserve nothing less,” Wanami stated in his closing remarks.
By Juma Ndigo
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