Newly established Technical Training Institutes and Colleges are struggling with transitional challenges, particularly in achieving full independence from their parent institutions, a parliamentary committee has revealed.
The National Assembly Public Investments Committee on Governance and Education, chaired by Bumula MP Wanami Wamboka, has urged the institutions to speed up their transition and secure complete autonomy if they are to effectively carry out their mandates.
This came to light during the Committee’s session with Njoro Technical and Training Institute and Gilgil Technical and Vocational Training College, where lawmakers reviewed unresolved audit queries flagged by the Auditor General over non-compliance with key requirements to operate institutions of higher learning.
“It is appalling that an Institution with over a thousand students has no Human Resource Policy, no approved Budget, no Procurement plan, neither do they have an approved Information Technical Security Policy,” said Hon. Rebecca Tonkei while engaging Njoro TTI Principal Dr. Sheila Kandie.
Njoro TTI, which admitted its first students in January 2023 under the mentorship of Kaiboi National Polytechnic, has however begun putting in place policies to guide its operations.
The institute has also addressed some of the audit issues raised for the 2023/2024 financial year.
At the same time, Gilgil TVC Principal Dr. Ngugi Mbugua was questioned by MPs over the college’s lack of structures to ensure a smooth transition.
The session, chaired by Kilome MP Thaddeus Nzambia, also probed governance gaps inherited from past management.
“It seems the former Principal of Gilgil TVC ran the institution unlawfully, and flouted several guidelines including procurement laws. As much as the college is new, the law must be followed in every operation,” said Hon. Nzambia.
The Committee further pressed Dr. Mbugua to explain why the college has no strategic plan, no internal audit function, and no Audit Committee, while also noting the low enrolment of about 365 students.
MPs urged him to work closely with local leaders, including the Gilgil MP, to sponsor and increase student admissions.