Principals of various national schools are set to appear before MPs to address audit queries related to the misappropriation of funds highlighted by Auditor General Nancy Gathungu. The Public Investments Committee on Governance and Education, chaired by Bumula MP Jack Wamboka, plans to start with national schools before summoning principals from extra-county and county schools.
Wamboka, speaking after a meeting with Gathungu, requested audit reports from all national secondary schools for a pilot program. Wamboka is likely to call schools such as Maranda High, Nyamira Girls, Moi Girls, and Sugor Girls, among others. He also urged Gathungu to implement a tracking mechanism for audit reports to ensure accountability.
The Auditor General has completed audits for over 450 schools out of 9,000. These audits revealed financial misconduct, unauthorized fee hikes, questionable expenditures, and mismanagement of grants and capitation funds. Additionally, concerns were raised about funds being transferred to the Kenya Secondary School Heads Association (KSSHA), a welfare group not recognized in government funding.
During a session with principals from technical institutions such as Moi Teachers’ College and Baringo National Polytechnic, MPs criticized financial irregularities. They threatened sanctions, including investigations and recommendations for the removal of unfit officials. Specific cases, like Narok West TTI’s unsupported travel expenses and irregular payments, were referred to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations for further action.
The committee also faulted Kaiboi and Moi Teachers’ colleges for failing to comply with the National Cohesion and Integration Act, which mandates diversity in recruitment.”
