The National Assembly Committee on Education, has commenced a nationwide inspection of National Polytechnics, as part of their mandate in budget oversight to consider the efficiency of government-funded projects within Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions.
The committee chaired by Tinderet MP Julius Melly seeks to assess the implementation of development projects in selected National Polytechnics across the country.
The inspection tours, aligned with the Committee’s mandate under the Financial Year 2023/2024 budget.
The Committee is also using the visits to gather critical feedback, identify challenges, and recommend corrective measures to ensure optimal utilization of public funds.
It is expected to do the inspection visits and prepare a comprehensive report to be tabled in National Assembly.
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The findings will inform future policy and funding decisions to strengthen TVET institutions.
In a visit at Eldoret Polytechnic Committee Chair Julius Melly pointed out objectives of the inspection visits saying the committee has challenges affecting TVETS.
“These tours are intended to inform future budget scrutiny, including resource allocation and reallocation and inform legislative or policy direction if the Committee funds its necessary,” he said.
The MPs conducted the visits in two sub-committees. One team led by the Tinderet MP and Committee Chair Melly conducted inspection visits at the Eldoret National Polytechnic and the Rift Valley Technical Training Institute (RVTTI) in Uasin Gishu County.
The second sub-committee led by session chair Mary Emaase visited Rift Valley National Polytechnic in Nakuru County and Nyandarua National Polytechnic.
During the inspection at Rift Valley National Polytechnic, Teso South MP Mary Emaase raised concerns over persistent delays in the disbursement of student capitation funds.
She said the government has consistently released only half of the required funds each financial year, despite the Committee allocating the full budget.
The MP pointed out that the underfunding undermines service delivery and student support in these vital institutions.
The Committee also noted the funding shortfall to TVET institutions.
The Treasury allocated Sh5.2 billion for TVET student capitation against a required Sh8.83 billion, leaving a significant deficit that affects the operations and quality of education.
By Obegi Malack
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