Residents of Garissa County have called for increased government funding for the North Eastern National Polytechnic, citing years of neglect despite the institution’s elevation to national status in 2016.
The appeal was made during a public participation forum convened by the National Assembly’s Budget and Appropriations Committee Sub-Committee to collect views on the 2026/2027 budget estimates.
The forum, held at the Garissa Town Library Hall, was led by Garsen MP and committee member Ali Wario. Members of the public presented memoranda and oral submissions highlighting key development priorities for Garissa County and the wider North Eastern region.
Representatives from civil society organisations, youth groups and student bodies told the committee that the institution has struggled with inadequate infrastructure due to lack of government funding since its elevation to a national polytechnic a decade ago.
Speaking on behalf of the civil society groups, Mohammed Khalif said the institution serves students from across the North Eastern region by equipping them with technical and entrepreneurial skills critical for employment and self-reliance.
“The North Eastern National Polytechnic is serving all counties in the region by equipping young people with technical, entrepreneurial and employable skills. However, since 2016, it has not received any funding. This has placed a heavy burden on parents and hindered the institution’s growth,” said Khalif.
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He urged the committee to allocate funds to the institution in the next financial year, saying investment in education and technical training would empower the region’s youth and strengthen economic development.
In his submission, the institution’s principal, Abdulla Omar Sheikh, said the polytechnic urgently requires a modern lecture block, renovation works, an ablution block, a health sciences laboratory, ICT equipment and additional learning materials to accommodate the growing student population.
“We request the Budget and Appropriations Committee to allocate Ksh135 million in the 2026/2027 financial year to support these projects. There is also need to prioritise TVET infrastructure and modernise practical training facilities and ICT systems nationwide,” he said.
Residents also called for increased funding towards security infrastructure, including the establishment of police stations in Kunuso, Waberi and Boriboris in Bulamathawhere land has already been set aside for the projects.
Wario encouraged residents to remain vigilant and actively monitor government-funded projects to ensure accountability and value for money.
By Juma Ndigo
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