Bumula member of Parliament (MP) Jack Wamboka has declared that Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions have become the new economic lifeline for Bungoma County, following the collapse of iconic industries such as Nzoia Sugar Company and Webuye Panpaper.
Addressing staff, students and local leaders at Cardinal Otunga TVC Tulumba during the inauguration of the institution’s new Board of Governors, Wamboka said TVETs are increasingly anchoring the region’s micro-economy and generating dependable livelihoods for surrounding communities.
According to the legislator, households are benefitting from hosting students, supplying foodstuffs and services to the institutions, and running cottage ventures that flourish around the learning centres — effectively positioning TVETs as mini-industrial hubs in rural Bungoma.
Wamboka reaffirmed his commitment to expanding and modernising TVET institutions in Bumula, saying they remain central to skill development, youth empowerment and long-term economic resilience.
The newly constituted board will be chaired by Prof. Saul Namango, with Dr. Robert Nyukuri, CPA Emily Simiyu and Brian Singoro serving as members.
Wamboka noted that when he took over from former MP Mwambu Mabonga, Bumula ranked last in Bungoma County’s academic performance. Through tighter collaboration with school heads and strategic NG-CDF investments, the constituency has since climbed to third position countywide.
“With the collapse of major economic pillars like Nzoia Sugar and Panpaper, we had to rethink our development strategy. Strengthening TVETs has become our most effective path to local economic revival,” he said.
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The legislator singled out Cardinal Otunga TVC Tulumba and Musakasa TTI as key beneficiaries of enhanced NG-CDF funding aimed at modernising infrastructure and boosting student enrolment.
Wamboka also commended Education Cabinet Secretary Ogamba Migos for supporting reforms in Bumula’s education sector, including ensuring the posting of a substantive principal to Cardinal Otunga TVC after years of leadership gaps.
At the same time, he alleged that Ksh500,000 allocated to Cardinal Otunga TVC by the Bumula NG-CDF between 2017 and 2022 cannot be accounted for.
“NG-CDF financial records show that Ksh500,000 was allocated to this institution, yet there is no record of how that money was utilised,” he claimed.
Wamboka, who chairs the Public Investments Committee (PIC), said the institution had no substantive principal and suffered low student numbers when he assumed office — challenges he says have since been addressed.
To accelerate the college’s growth, the MP announced an allocation of Sh25 million from the NG-CDF for major capital projects.
“I directed the Principal not to touch the Sh25 million until a board was in place. Now that the board has been inaugurated, the implementation can begin,” he said.
The development package includes construction of a storey block for lecture halls and workshops, procurement of modern hospitality equipment, and establishment of a training restaurant to enhance hands-on learning.
Wamboka urged the new board to uphold transparency, accountability and efficiency as Cardinal Otunga TVC enters what he described as a “transformative phase” in its growth trajectory.
By Godfrey Wamalwa
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