Members of Parliament (MPs) have launched investigations after the Auditor General exposed financial discrepancies in a number of colleges in the Nyanza region.
The MPs sitting in the Public Investments Committee on Monday, August 14, summoned principals of the institutions in an attempt to review evidence that was presented by Auditor General Nancy Gathungu.
Led by chairman, Bumula MP Jack Wamboka, the committee noted that at least five institutions in the Nyanza region were unable to adequately account for the money that they had received from the government.
"These meetings were convened to address and rectify audit queries highlighted in the reports of the Auditor General, shedding light on issues ranging from financial discrepancies to a lack of ethnic diversity and questionable management decisions.
"One significant matter that the committee has highlighted is the inaccuracy in the financial statements of these institutions. The Committee's interactions have also illuminated a concerning lack of ethnic diversity within the institutions," the Parliamentary report read in parts.
Officials of Bondo Technical and Vocational College were hard-pressed to explain how Ksh25 million was purportedly used by the former Principal for students' accommodation.
"The Auditor General's reports underscored that this payment was executed without substantiating evidence of user requisition and no documentation existed regarding the legitimate engagement of suppliers in accordance with the stipulated legal procedures," the report revealed.
It also came to light that the institution possesses five parcels of land without proper title deeds, which could be scandal in waiting.
According to Auditor General Gathungu, the high level of corruption in the colleges has affected the delivery in the institutions.
The report also highlighted inadequate representation from different ethnic groups, raising pertinent questions about equality, inclusivity, and the extent to which these institutions reflect the broader societal fabric.
Auditor General Gathungu noted that leaders in the colleges employed people who were well-known to them, which technically exacerbated the financial mismanagement and lack of accountability.
It was also revealed that preferential treatment was given to some employees who were related to the top management or who came from wealthy families.
"The Principal of Ugenya Technical and Vocational College received a firm caution regarding the concern of inadequate ethnic diversity within the institution.
"The Committee emphasized to the principal the necessity of addressing this issue and urged them to have it rectified prior to the upcoming audit," the Parliamentary report read in parts.
Seme Technical and Vocational College appeared before the Committee as well. The Committee is scheduled to hold more meetings within the course of the week in Kisumu County.
