Parliament fines Kisumu procurement officer Ksh500,000
By Ndiritu Wanjiru, February 2, 2026The National Assembly Public Investments Committee on Governance and Education has taken firm action against irregular procurement at Kisumu National Polytechnic by surcharging the institution’s Procurement Officer Ksh500,000.
Taking to their social handle on Monday, February 2, 2026, the committee, chaired by Bumula Member of Parliament Wanami Wamboka, noted that the officer was found to have irregularly awarded a tender to a non-eligible bidder who had failed to submit a mandatory National Social Security Fund (NSSF) certificate and without involving the accounting officer, in breach of procurement procedures.
“We must deal with rogue officers of institutions who act with impunity,” Wamboka noted.
The committee observed that the Committee’s decision was guided by Standing Order 191A of the National Assembly, which allows the House or its Committees to impose fines where witnesses fail to satisfactorily account for their actions.
The committee also cracked down on other institutions found to be in contravention of various procurement laws in procuring education resources.
Concerns arose over audit queries involving officers listed as persons living with disabilities who had not submitted the required documentation while benefiting from tax exemptions. The Chief Principal was directed to submit further evidence to allow the Committee to conclude its review.
The Legislators further examined governance and inclusivity issues across several technical institutions. Kakrao Technical Training Institute was urged to continue improving ethnic balance, having reduced representation from 92 per cent to 77 per cent.
Members also questioned why a flour milling plant meant for training remains idle due to a lack of power, with management indicating plans to engage the Principal Secretary on securing a three-phase electricity connection.
At Riragia Technical and Vocational College and Bungoma National Polytechnic, where dominant ethnic representation stands at 95 per cent and 88 per cent, respectively, management was urged to take deliberate steps to comply with diversity requirements and proper employment procedures.
Meanwhile, Kenya Coast National Polytechnic was instructed to recover over Ksh3 million paid irregularly as sitting allowances, while Nyamira National Polytechnic was asked to explain an over-expenditure of KES 6 million incurred without an approved supplementary budget.
The Committee has said that the National Assembly shall continue to safeguard public resources and ensure education institutions serve learners fairly, responsibly and in the best interests of Kenyans.