The National Assembly's Public Investments Committee on Governance and Education is calling for sweeping reforms in the disbursement of government capitation funds to institutions of higher learning, amid growing concern over financial instability in the sector.
Chaired by Bumula MP Jack Wamboka, the committee wants the government to allow funds appropriated for education to be disbursed even after the end of a financial year.
He argued that rigid timelines are causing unnecessary disruptions to school operations.
Speaking during a session reviewing audit findings and field visits, Wamboka decried the continued delays in releasing capitation, warning that they are crippling the ability of schools to meet basic obligations.
“Institutions of higher learning are facing difficulties paying for essential services like salaries, utilities, and learning materials due to the delayed capitation,” said Wamboka.
“We need to have the Cabinet Secretaries for Education and Treasury, together with their Principal Secretaries, appear before the Committee to explain where the money meant for schools goes.”
During examination of audit reports for Nyandarua National Polytechnic, the Committee discovered severe budgetary strain caused by the non-receipt of government and donor grants, despite being allocated in the budget.
The institution also drew attention for non-compliance with laws on staff ethnic diversity.
While the principal reported ongoing improvements through public advertisements in national media, the committee gave the institution a two-year window to correct the imbalance.
Murang’a University of Technology faced scrutiny over land ownership and financial accountability.
The institution lacks critical documentation for several parcels of land, raising fears of encroachment.
The Committee has directed the administration to secure title deeds and guard against land grabs.
Additionally, an audit flagged Sh4.9 million spent on servicing, shifting and Installation of a donated, non-functional generator, with no supporting documentation or inspection certificates.
Figures that Committee members deemed “excessively high" and scheduled a fact-finding visit.
The Committee also put pressure on institutions like Mukiria Technical Training Institute, which was flagged for failing to meet legal requirements on ethnic diversity in staffing.
Out of 67 employees, 63 per cent were from a single dominant community. The Committee has also issued a two-year compliance timeline to the institution.
