Parliament probes governance failures at Egerton University, Baringo Tech and Narok West institutes

A parliamentary watchdog committee has launched a pointed investigation into governance failures in three public institutions, accusing senior officials of negligence in land management, violating audit procedures, and failing to address leadership gaps that continue to undermine higher education.

The Public Investments Committee on Governance and Education has raised concerns over Egerton University, Baringo Technical University, and Narok West Technical Training Institute, citing serious lapses in land oversight, weak internal controls, and poor leadership.

During a session held at Bunge Towers, committee chair Bumula MP Wanami Wamboka reprimanded Egerton University Vice-Chancellor Prof Isaac Ogumbo for failing to pay a Sh500,000 fine previously imposed for noncompliance.

“You were fined and haven’t paid. We cannot proceed like that,” Wamboka said, halting the session.

“This committee won’t entertain impunity. Settle the fine first.”

Clear fine

Ogumbo was given a seven-day deadline to clear the fine or face further consequences.

“You have until next Wednesday to pay. If not, both you and your team will be summoned,” Wamboka warned, emphasising that public accountability is non-negotiable.

The committee had also expected Ogumbo to address audit issues flagged by the Auditor-General, but proceedings were suspended until the fine is paid.

Earlier in the session, Baringo Technical University Principal Isaac Bwamboka faced tough scrutiny over land encroachment highlighted in the same audit report.

“How did you allow this to happen under your watch?” Wamboka asked.

Kiminini MP Kakai Bisau followed up:

“Have you faced the land issue, and do you know those behind it?”

Vague, lacking substance

Bwamboka’s answers were described by MPs as vague and lacking substance. Unsatisfied with the Auditor General’s findings, the committee criticised the report for being too shallow.

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• Egerton University
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• Baringo Technical University
• Narok West Technical Training Institute
• Egerton University Vice-Chancellor Prof Isaac Ogumbo
• Parliament probes governance failures at Egerton University
• Baringo Tech and Narok West institutes

“This report lacks the depth we need for action,” Wamboka noted, as the committee ordered a fresh physical audit of the institution.

“We want the auditors to go there physically and establish facts,” Bisau added.

The university was directed to fully cooperate with the new audit team.

At Narok West Technical Training Institute, Principal David More was grilled over the institution’s failure to properly document and value its land.

“Where are the documents showing land ownership and value?” asked Narok Women Rep Rebecca Tonkei.

Outsourced auditing services

MPs also questioned why the institution had outsourced auditing services despite having an internal audit committee in place.

“Why outsource when you already have a committee in place?” asked Imenti Central MP Moses Kirima, instructing the management to adhere to internal audit protocols going forward.

Kirima also raised concerns over the institute’s low student enrollment, which currently stands at just 300.

“You are too relaxed. Why aren’t you advertising and recruiting?” he challenged, urging the leadership to adopt a more aggressive enrollment strategy.

Tonkei echoed the sentiment, calling on the institution to collaborate with local leaders to boost enrollment.

“You must partner with MCAs, MPs, and counties to grow your student base,” she said, urging the administration to strengthen its community outreach.

Wamboka closed the session with a stern warning to all public learning institutions, emphasising that mismanagement would not be tolerated.

“You are custodians of the people’s trust. We will not allow negligence to go unchecked,” he stated.