Alupe University praised for having zero pending bills as Sirisia, Musakasa, Bunyala and Wanga TVC slip at Parliament

PIC GOVERNANCE AND EDUCATION CONTINUES PROBE ON TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS OVER AUDIT QUERIES

Tuesday March 12, 2024

The Public Accounts Committee on Governance and Education entered day two of review of audit queries on tertiary institutions, emanating from the Report of the Auditor- General.

Institutions under review included Alupe University, Sirisia Technical & Vocational College, Mukasa Technical Training College, Bunyala Technical and Vocational College, and Wanga Technical and Vocational College.

Issues across the institutions encompassed late submission of financial statements, misuse of public funds, and delays or cutoffs in capitation – concerns the Committee said it would address with the Ministry of Education and Treasury.

Alupe University, led by Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Peter Barasa, received praise for being the only institution with no pending bills. However, Hon. Wamboka cautioned the Vice-Chancellor over unapproved imprest payments, highlighting a lack of control that could lead to financial losses. The university management was however quick to pledge procedural improvements.

Sirisia Technical and Vocational College faced challenges in budgetary control and performance, citing under-funding due to low student fees collection, reduced capitation disbursements, and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Committee assured the college principal that the capitation issue would be addressed.

Musakasa Technical Training faced criticism for late submission of financial statements and irregular payments of sitting allowances to directors. The lawmakers cautioned the principal, Mr. Geoffrey Khisa, of potential penalties and demands for reimbursement of the irregular payments.

Bunyala Technical and Vocational College was flagged for failing to submit financial statements and accounting for prior period operations. The legislators emphasized the need for a change in policy regarding caution money and urged adherence to the Occupational Safety and Health Act.

Wanga Technical and Vocational College faced scrutiny for unsupported procurement of goods and services. The principal, Ms. Grace Opwara, was tasked with explaining irregularities and ensuring corrective measures in the next audit.

The Committee further questioned the college’s two boreholes funded by CDF and Lake Victoria Basin projects.

St. Augustine Teachers’ Training College-Eregi lacked a board charter and work plan, leading to ineffective oversight. The Committee directed Chief Principal, Mr. Gideon Katua to provide the necessary documents for verification before their next appearance.

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In response to recurring issues, Committee Members unanimously resolved to impose punitive measures on institutions and their heads for receiving adverse opinions for three consecutive years, deeming accounting officers unfit for office.

“As a Committee, we won’t be here rolling the wheels. In an event an institution receives qualified, disclaimer and adverse opinions for three consecutive years, the accounting officers will be considered unfit to hold office.

~ Parliament of Kenya ~