The National Assembly’s Public Investments Committee on Education and Governance grilled principals from eight Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges to explain recurring audit issues following the Auditor‑General’s concerns about the management of public funds in the institutions.
In a session on Tuesday, April 21, the Committee on Education and Governance questioned principals from Mbeere North, Runyenjes, Manyatta, Yatta, Nuu, Ikutha, Rhamu, and Lafey Technical and Vocational Colleges to respond to queries contained in audit reports for the 2021/2022 to 2024/2025 financial years.
The session was chaired by Bumula Member of Parliament Wanami Wamboka, who said the committee was duty-bound to ensure that public funds allocated to TVET institutions are used lawfully and for their intended purposes.
“We are interrogating these audit reports to establish whether public funds allocated to these institutions were utilized as approved by Parliament and in line with the law,” said Wamboka.
Wamboka warned that if the probe uncovers any misuse of funds, the committee will take action, which could include recommending steps against cases where money was spent without proper records, procurement rules were broken, or public resources were abused.
Members of the committee raised concerns over recurring audit issues affecting the eight colleges, including unsupported expenditures, stalled development projects, and weak internal control mechanisms.
Kilome Member of Parliament Thaddeus Nzambia questioned why similar audit queries persisted across successive audit reports.
“It is unacceptable for the same audit issues to be raised year after year. These institutions must demonstrate corrective action and improved financial discipline,” said Nzambia.
TVET Principals Cite Delayed Funding and Capacity Gaps
Principals of Mbeere North, Runyenjes, Manyatta, Yatta, Nuu, Ikutha, Rhamu, and Lafey TVET colleges responded to questions from the committee, attributing some of the audit queries to delayed exchequer disbursements and capacity challenges in financial management.
The principals explained to the committee that they are taking steps to tighten financial controls, keep clearer records of how money is spent, and follow the issues and recommendations raised by the Auditor‑General.
The Public Investments Committee on Education and Governance is expected to compile its findings and table a report in the National Assembly, which may include recommendations for administrative action against individuals found responsible for financial impropriety.
The committee is mandated to examine audited accounts of public institutions to safeguard taxpayer funds and enforce accountability.
Govt Moves to Merge HELB, TVET, and University Funds
Recently, the Ministry of Education tabled the Tertiary Education Placement and Funding Bill in Parliament, which seeks to merge the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB), the TVET Fund, and the University Fund into a single entity to streamline student support.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba confirmed that the Bill is currently before Parliament, awaiting deliberation.
The CS noted that the framework is designed to extend funding support to all tertiary and university students, including those enrolled at the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC).
The President further announced that the Government will allocate additional resources to support the recruitment of staff at KMTC.
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