Members of Parliament have uncovered widespread financial mismanagement across several public universities and technical training institutions, with one Vice Chancellor fined Ksh500,000 for defying audit orders.
The revelations came on July 23 during a series of hearings held by the National Assembly’s Public Investments Committee on Governance and Education at Bunge Towers, where lawmakers scrutinized audit reports from the Office of the Auditor General for the 2021/2022 financial year.
Tharaka University was the first to appear before the committee, receiving praise for resolving nearly all flagged audit issues.
However, Laikipia University’s leadership faced sharp criticism after failing to submit required responses to the Auditor General’s queries.
Parliament Fine Vice Chancellor
Committee Chair Wanami Wamboka (Bumula) invoked Standing Order 191(a), ordering Laikipia’s Vice Chancellor to pay a personal fine of Ksh500,000 and deliver the amount via banker’s cheque to the Clerk of the National Assembly within two weeks.
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“This committee will not tolerate disregard for accountability,” said Wamboka. “University managers must be prepared to defend how they spend public resources.”
Another session chaired by Vice Chair Anthony Kibagendi, turned its attention to Konoin Technical Training Institute, where Principal Wesley Sigei was unable to justify a Ksh4 million SACCO investment made without documentation.
Other concerns included inaccurate board allowances, lack of an internal auditor, and an absence of a management information system.
“It’s unacceptable that a principal can appear here and admit he doesn’t know whether the Auditor asked for documentation,” said Rebecca Tonkei. Kakai Bisau added, “This is either incompetence in your accounting office or a systemic failure in management.”
At Kasarani Technical and Vocational Training College, Principal Josephine Begi was questioned over unsupported balances, irregular procurement of property and equipment, unsubstantiated remuneration of board members, and missing land ownership records.
Audit Responses
Bumbe Technical Training Institute’s Principal Celestus Wanjala Omilo, who has held office for less than a year, also struggled to answer questions related to unsecured loans, budgetary shortfalls, and unsupported expenditures. His predecessor, who retired last year, was called upon to clarify past decisions.
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Despite several institutions drawing the committee’s ire, Musakasa Technical Training Institute closed the day on a positive note.
Principal Moses Kiiza Sakwa was commended for providing detailed audit responses and implementing innovative strategies to generate extra income and sustain operations.
Lawmakers warned that citing delayed capitation from the National Treasury would no longer be accepted as a blanket excuse for financial mismanagement.
More institutional heads are expected to appear before the committee in coming weeks as Parliament steps up oversight of public spending.
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