PIC governance and education urges stronger audit compliance and governance in higher education institutions

 

 The Public Investments Committee (PIC) on Governance and Education, chaired by Hon. Wanami Wamboka (Bumula), has called for enhanced audit compliance, transparency, and governance across public universities and education sector agencies to safeguard public funds and improve institutional efficiency.

During a review of the 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 audit reports for the National Defence University-Kenya, the Committee acknowledged significant milestones, including the successful completion and implementation of the first phase of the University’s Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, which covers student and academic management functions.

However, the Committee noted that several key challenges remain unresolved. The second phase of the ERP system—covering finance, human resource, and procurement operations—has been delayed due to funding constraints. Additionally, staffing gaps continue to affect operational efficiency, and the documentation for the University’s land remains incomplete.

The Committee welcomed the Ministry of Defence’s commitment to finance the completion of the ERP system in the 2025/2026 financial year and directed that audit monitoring continue to ensure full automation, proper documentation of assets, and strengthening of human resource structures.

Sessions scheduled with the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), the University of Nairobi, and Dedan Kimathi University of Technology were postponed after key officials failed to appear. The Committee underscored the importance of timely cooperation with parliamentary oversight processes and resolved to reschedule the hearings.

In reviewing the Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA), the Committee raised concern over persistent staffing shortages, noting that most approved positions remain vacant despite Treasury’s authorization to recruit. The Committee urged the Authority to expedite recruitment to enable effective service delivery.

The Committee also announced plans to conduct site inspection visits at Meru National Polytechnic to examine pending audit queries related to irregular contract variations and the construction of a tuition block.

Meanwhile, in its analysis of audit issues involving the National Biosafety Authority, the Committee cited financial inaccuracies and singled out the Finance Officer for incompetence.

“Public institutions must lead by example in compliance, transparency, and prudent management of resources in support of Kenya’s human capital development agenda,” Hon. Wamboka emphasized in his closing remarks.