Parliamentary oversight has raised fresh questions over how three technical training institutions are managed after audit reports exposed gaps in staffing compliance, asset documentation and delayed student support funding.
The National Assembly Public Investments Committee on Education and Governance, led by Bumula MP Wanami Wamboka on Tuesday examined audit findings covering Seme Training and Vocational College, Ugenya Technical and Vocational College, and Ugunja Technical and Vocational College for the financial years 2022/2023, 2023/2024 and 2024/2025.
The meeting held on Tuesday focused on governance, financial management and compliance issues flagged by the Office of the Auditor-General.
Members of the committee, including Igembe Central MP Daniel Kiili Karitho, Kilome MP Thaddeus Nzambia, Sotik MP Julius Sigei, and Lunga Lunga MP Chiforomodo Mangale Munga, raised concern over failure to comply with ethnic balance requirements in staffing, delays in release of scholarship funds, and lack of insurance for institutional assets. The audit reports further pointed to missing ownership documents for equipment such as tractors and other machinery, raising accountability concerns.
Committee chair Wanami Wamboka said the issues reflected serious governance weaknesses that required urgent action.
“These institutions are funded by taxpayers and must operate strictly within the law. Issues of ethnic imbalance, undocumented assets and delayed student support cannot be taken lightly,” he said.
Seme Training and Vocational College principal Kenneth Odero told the committee that some of the challenges were due to administrative changes and delays in funding, adding that corrective measures had begun.
“We have taken steps to address the audit concerns, including initiating processes to secure ownership documents for our equipment and aligning our staffing to meet the legal requirements,” said Mr Odero.
Ugenya Technical and Vocational College principal Linda Ayuku said delays in scholarship disbursement had affected students and disrupted institutional planning.
“The late release of funds disrupts learning and institutional planning. We are working closely with the relevant authorities to ensure timely disbursement going forward,” she said.
Ugunja Technical and Vocational College principal Tom Oswago said the institution had already started implementing corrective actions, including insurance coverage for assets and review of staffing structures.
“We have already initiated insurance cover for our property, plant and equipment and are reviewing our staffing to comply with the law on ethnic diversity,” he said.
The committee directed the institutions to submit detailed written responses with clear timelines for resolving the audit queries. A report will be tabled in the National Assembly with possible recommendations targeting officers found responsible.
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