Institutions of Higher Learning have been called upon to embrace enhanced accountability frameworks and adopt innovative income-generation strategies to safeguard their operations against delayed exchequer disbursements.
The Public Investments Committee on Governance and Education, chaired by Wanami Wamboka (Bumula), underscored the urgent need for institutional leadership to embrace prudent financial management while proactively leveraging available assets and opportunities to enhance self-reliance.
Appearing before the Committee, Kisii University was directed to resolve, within three months, cases of staff serving in acting capacity beyond the legally permitted six months. Members also flagged delays in remittance of staff regulatory deductions.
Management confirmed compliance with Kenya Revenue Authority and National Social Security Fund obligations. They further disclosed a structured repayment plan of KSh7 million monthly to clear pension arrears owed to the Pension Scheme Administrator.
Funding delays dominated discussions, with several institutions citing late disbursements as a major operational strain.
The Committee is set to question the Education Cabinet Secretary, the Principal Secretary and the CEO of Higher Education Loans Board, to explain persistent delays affecting institutions of higher learning.
The isntituion heads pointed to slow fund releases and incomplete student banding as ongoing challenges in the new funding model.
The Committee challenged universities to maximise existing resources rather than depend solely on Government allocations.
At Rongo University, which sits on more than 150 acres and serves over 13,000 students, legislators questioned why annual internally generated revenue stands at just KSh1.5 million.
Management was guided to explore viable ventures, including dairy farming and other commercial activities aligned with their land and academic strengths.
Meanwhile, Chuka and Tharaka Universities have been scheduled to reappear after failing to present fully constituted teams.
The Vice-Chancellor of Embu University was directed to provide a substantive explanation regarding his request to be represented by a Deputy Vice-Chancellor. The institution has also been scheduled to reappear.
Lawmakers reiterated that the audit process must be approached with diligence and seriousness.
