The National Assembly’s Public Investments Committee on Governance and Education has raised concerns over widespread financial irregularities across several universities and technical institutions.
In a session on Wednesday, December 3, the committee stated that the institutions must strengthen accountability systems to protect public funds and restore discipline in financial management.
Chaired by Bumula MP Wanami Wamboka, the committee pressed multiple institutions over unresolved audit queries, missing documentation and longstanding debt burdens that collectively surpass Ksh1 billion.
The committee said it issued a personal penalty to a procurement officer at Ziwa Technical Training Institute and questioned the performance of its Finance Officer, who has served for nearly ten years, after uncovering troubling audit gaps.
It added that the matter stemmed from missing audit records, unexplained Mpesa overdrawing and misleading submissions.
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"The National Assembly, Public Investments Committee on Governance and Education has issued a Ksh500,000 fine to a procurement officer and sharply questioning the competency of a long-serving Finance Officer at Ziwa Technical Training Institute," a report about the session read
MPs told Ziwa Technical Training Institute management that missing financial statements for the 2017/2018 audit cycle could not be excused by the deaths of former principals.
They emphasised that institutions must maintain continuity through proper record-keeping.
"Legislators pressed Ziwa Technical Training Institute management over missing financial statements for the 2017/2018 audit cycle, dismissing explanations tied to the deaths of two former principals. The sitting principal was reminded that institutional continuity demands proper record-keeping. Members further flagged an Mpesa overdrawing of Ksh9 million and recurring failures to supply audit evidence.
"The Finance Officer, in post for close to a decade, faced tough scrutiny over persistent gaps. The procurement officer was fined for knowingly submitting misleading information in violation of the Conflict of Interest Act, 2025 with Members invoking Standing Order 191A to enforce personal liability," the report added.
At the same time, MPs said Maasai Mara Technical & Vocational College will be recalled because it failed to present key officials required to address outstanding audit questions.
"Maasai Mara Technical & Vocational College was directed to reappear after turning up without key officers, including the former principal and heads of procurement and Human Resource, despite active audit questions tied to their tenures," the report continued.
The committee also reported that Masinde Muliro University’s outstanding student debtor balances exceed Ksh800 million and noted that the institution proposed a write-off for part of the amount.
MPs also raised concerns over an inactive group of postgraduate debtors and a stalled infrastructure project.
"In review of Masinde Muliro University of Science & Technology audit reports, the Committee noted student debtor balances exceeding Ksh800 million. Management proposed a Ksh23 million write-off, while an additional Ksb464 million relates to postgraduate students disconnected for more than seven years.
"MPs urged swift rollout of the MMUST–HELB Revolving Fund by December 31, 2025, to enhance recoveries and recommended write-offs for deceased or unreachable students. Legislators also sought clarity on the delayed Olympic-size swimming pool, currently 77% complete," the report further read.
In addition, legislators said Matili Technical Training Institute has a significant fee balance owed by students and highlighted previous staffing disparities.
"Matili Technical Training Institute reported a Ksh46 million fee debt, prompting calls for strengthened debt collection. The Committee further questioned a past staffing imbalance where 120 of 130 employees belonged to one ethnic group. Management reported progress, citing 80% compliance under a new policy," the report revealed.
The committee also urged the School Equipment Production Unit to rectify record-keeping weaknesses and accelerate efforts to recover contested land while addressing outstanding staff debts and poorly monitored assets.
"The School Equipment Production Unit was instructed to practice good record-keeping as MPs raised concerns over weak documentation. Legislators offered guidance on what they deemed slow action on recovery of a 12-acre land in Imara Daima. The dispute involves 2,000 squatters with the matter currently in court.
"An uncollected staff debt exceeding Ksh800,000 was also scrutinized with management urged to enforce legal services and debt collection professionals to resolve the same. The Committee also flagged improperly recorded iPads purchased for board members and called for a special audit on unsurrendered excess receipts," the report read.
MPs concluded by urging all institutions under review to uphold transparency, accountability and prudent management of public resources.
