MPs raise accountability, governance and audit concerns in TVET colleges
By Cy Muganda, January 30, 2026The Public Investments Committee on Governance and Education has exposed significant governance gaps, financial mismanagement, and inclusivity concerns in several technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutions across the country.
In a statement posted on Parliament’s Facebook account on Friday, January 30, 2026, the Committee revealed findings from its scrutiny of reports from the Office of the Auditor-General on various TVET institutions, while also recognising institutions that have demonstrated compliance and good practice.
“We are devoted to ensure public resources are safeguarded and service delivery in the education sector is top-notch,” the Committee Chairperson Wanami Wamboka stated.
Kisiwa Technical Training Institute
The Committee’s review of Kisiwa Technical Training Institute for the 2022/2023 financial year revealed unresolved issues around land ownership, with management failing to provide documentation for one parcel of land.
Members raised alarm over the institution’s staffing profile, noting that 86 per cent of employees come from a single ethnic community.
“The Committee termed this imbalance unacceptable for a national institution and instructed management to ensure ethnic diversity reflective of Kenya’s national character within two years,” the statement read.
Financial accountability at Kisiwa also came under sharp focus after audit reports revealed unutilised HELB loans and bursaries amounting to Ksh22 million, held after funds were disbursed late to students who had already cleared their fees.
The Committee directed that the money be refunded to allow other beneficiaries to access support and signalled plans to pursue policy reforms for efficient reallocation of such funds.
Members additionally questioned the procurement of an institutional vehicle through an open tender instead of existing government procurement frameworks, directing management to provide full justification and documentation.
Fee collection concerns
At Nairobi National Polytechnic, the Committee addressed concerns over students sitting examinations while carrying fee balances.
Management told MPs that a policy had since been put in place to stop the practice, with the Committee insisting on strict enforcement to protect the institution’s financial sustainability.
PC Kinyanjui Technical Training Institute reported debts exceeding Ksh45 million due to unpaid fees and delayed remittances.
“The Committee resolved to engage the Executive on policies that compel institutions to admit students without fees, noting the strain this places on service delivery,” the statement read.
MPs also said they would engage church leadership over a 25-acre land dispute involving the institution and instructed management to employ a person living with disability in line with the law.
Mixed performance across institutions
Kabete National Polytechnic was commended for aligning its operations with legal and regulatory requirements.
In contrast, Thika Technical Training Institute faced intense scrutiny over Ksh5 million losses incurred by its catering facility.
“The Committee dismissed management’s explanation as inadequate, resolved to conduct a site inspection covering the past three years, questioned the underutilisation of 46 acres of land for agricultural production, and extended the audit inquiry following irregular recruitment of an independent tutor offering German lessons. Compliance directives,” the statement read.
Michuki National Polytechnic was cautioned for failing to provide evidence to auditors, while Mathenge and Nkabune Technical Training Institutes were directed to address ethnic imbalances within two years, with Nkabune commended for overall good governance.
“The Committee continues to strengthen accountability, inclusivity and value for money in education, ensuring tangible benefits to society,” the statement added.