The Members of Parliament (MPs), during the Public Investments Committee on Governance and Education session yesterday, raised key governance, financial and compliance concerns across several public learning institutions in central region.
At Dedan Kimathi University of Technology (DeKUT), the Committee noted ethnic imbalance, with 66.6 per cent of staff from one community, alongside prolonged acting appointments beyond the stipulated six months, whereby a Chief Technologist served in acting capacity for 28 months while receiving allowances.
The Committee led chaired by Vice-Chairperson Boyd Were, also flagged the exclusion of persons with disabilities in the 2024 recruitment of 11 staff and urged alignment with inclusivity requirements.
Members encouraged the institution to maximise its over 900 acres, including land under coffee and conservancy, to boost revenue.
At DeKUT Enterprises Company, the Committee cited failure to submit financial statements for 2018/2019, delayed budget approvals, and non-compliance in the appointment of a company secretary who did not have a professional certification.
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Procurement irregularities were also raised following the purchase of raw milk outside established procedures, contrary to Article 227(1) of the Constitution.
Nyeri National Polytechnic was faulted for failing to recover Ksh 214,978,506, with the Committee calling for stronger recovery measures. With ethnic imbalance currently at 75 per cent, the institution has been given 2 years to comply with the regulations.
Nyandarua National Polytechnic was reported to have a 65 per cent ethnic imbalance and further lacked a title deed for its land.
Murang’a Technical and Vocational College was directed to address ethnic imbalance within two years, regularise 58 unlicensed trainers within two months, and fill the vacant internal auditor position. The absence of employees living with disabilities was also termed a significant concern. At Kigumo Technical and Vocational College, 23 of 26 staff belong to one ethnic group.
Were in closing, emphasised adherence to governance standards, prudent use of public funds and inclusivity across all institutions.
By Juma Ndigo
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