A parliamentary committee is calling for sweeping reforms in the disbursement of government capitation funds to institutions of higher learning, citing persistent delays that are crippling operations in schools and colleges.
The National Assembly’s Public Investments Committee on Governance and Education, chaired by Bumula MP Jack Wamboka, is advocating for changes to allow education funds to be released even after the end of a financial year. Wamboka said rigid disbursement timelines are causing unnecessary disruptions, preventing institutions from meeting basic operational needs such as paying salaries, settling utility bills, and purchasing learning materials.
“Institutional stability is being undermined by delays in releasing capitation. The Education and Treasury Cabinet Secretaries, alongside their Principal Secretaries, must appear before the Committee and account for the funds allocated to schools,” Wamboka stated during a session reviewing audit reports and field findings.
The Committee flagged several cases highlighting the dire financial state of institutions. Nyandarua National Polytechnic, for example, is experiencing severe budget constraints due to the non-receipt of government and donor grants, despite allocations being approved in the national budget.
Additionally, Murang’a University of Technology came under scrutiny over land ownership issues and questionable financial practices. The university lacks title deeds for several parcels of land, raising fears of potential encroachment. The Committee directed the institution to fast-track the acquisition of ownership documents.
Further concerns arose over a Sh4.9 million expenditure on servicing and installing a donated but non-functional generator, with no documentation or inspection reports provided. MPs described the cost as “excessively high” and announced plans for a fact-finding mission.
Ethnic diversity in staffing also emerged as a critical issue. Nyandarua National Polytechnic and Mukiria Technical Training Institute were both flagged for failing to meet legal requirements. At Mukiria, 63% of staff hailed from a single dominant community. The institutions have been given two years to rectify these imbalances.
The MPs hope these interventions will prompt greater accountability and ensure institutions are adequately supported to deliver quality education.
