Lawmakers in Kenya have raised concerns over the lack of inclusivity, weak governance structures, and accountability issues in public universities and technical institutions. The concerns were brought forward by the National Assembly Public Investments Committee on Governance and Education during oversight meetings with Maseno University and the Rift Valley Technical Training Institute.
During a session with Maseno University, committee chairman Mark Mwenje questioned the institution’s low representation of persons with disabilities, stressing that inclusion must go beyond policy statements to actual implementation.
The university’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nyambedha, acknowledged the gap and assured lawmakers that efforts are ongoing to improve representation through inclusive hiring and partnerships with relevant agencies. The committee also flagged financial concerns, including outstanding student fee arrears and funds owed by government bodies.
In a separate meeting with the Rift Valley Technical Training Institute, lawmakers criticised the institution over ethnic imbalance in staffing, noting that a large percentage of employees come from a single community.
The committee directed the management to reduce the imbalance within a year and ensure broader representation. Vice-Chairperson Boyd Were also faulted the institution for failing to submit mandatory procurement reports, insisting that administrative lapses cannot be excused by internal challenges.
The lawmakers emphasised the need for improved transparency, compliance, and institutional accountability across the education sector.
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