MPs Push For Policy Reforms In School Capitation Delays

The Public Investments Committee on Governance and Education, chaired by Bumula MP Jack Wamboka, is calling for urgent reforms to address delays in government capitation disbursements to schools. The committee wants the education and treasury ministries to ensure that once funds are allocated, they are disbursed even after the close of a financial year to avoid disrupting school operations.

During a recent session reviewing audit reports and field findings, Wamboka expressed concern that the delays were affecting essential services in schools.

“Schools are struggling to pay salaries, utility bills, and buy learning materials due to delayed capitation,” Wamboka said.

“We will summon the Education CS, Treasury CS, and their respective Principal Secretaries to explain where the money meant for schools is going.”

At Nyandarua National Polytechnic, the committee found the institution under financial strain due to non-receipt of government and donor funds, despite budget allocations.

The school was also flagged for not meeting staff ethnic diversity requirements. While the principal stated that they now advertise job opportunities in national media to attract diverse applicants, the committee gave the institution two years to fully comply with diversity rules.

Murang’a University of Technology came under scrutiny for lacking title deeds for several pieces of land it occupies, raising fears of possible encroachment. The committee ordered the university to secure proper land ownership documents and protect public land from grabs.

Auditors also flagged Sh4.9 million spent on installing and servicing a donated generator at Murang’a University. The generator was non-functional, and there were no inspection reports or documents to support the expenditure. Committee members said the amount was “excessively high” and plan a fact-finding visit to the institution.

Mukiria Technical Training Institute was also put on notice for failing to comply with ethnic diversity regulations. Out of 67 employees, 63% came from one ethnic group. The committee gave the institution two years to address the imbalance.