Monday, 30 June, 2025
Committee demands capitation overhaul to rescue struggling schools
Bunge Towers, Nairobi Thursday, June 26, 2025
Public Investments Committee on Governance and Education, chaired by Bumula MP Hon. Jack Wamboka, has launched an aggressive push for policy reforms around government capitation disbursements to institutions of higher learning.
The Committee seeks to ensure that once funds are appropriated, they are disbursed even beyond the closure of a financial year to prevent disruption of essential school operations.
Speaking during a session reviewing audit findings and field reports, Hon. Wamboka expressed deep concern over the persistent delays in the release of capitation funds, warning that the financial uncertainty is threatening the stability of Kenya’s educational institutions.
“Institutions of higher learning are facing difficulties paying for essential services like salaries, utilities, and learning materials due to the delayed capitation,” said Hon. 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. The principal says they have improved in the hiring process, and that they now have an open advertising with National media outlets, the Committee has given the school two years to rectify 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 Kshs. 4.9 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.” A fact-finding visit is scheduled.
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% were from a single dominant community. The Committee has also issued a two-year compliance timeline to the institution.