Members of the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Education have raised serious concerns regarding staffing shortages, funding gaps, and infrastructure challenges at Kitale National Polytechnic and Bungoma National Polytechnic following an inspection visit to both institutions.
Led by Committee Chairperson Hon. Julius Melly, the MPs engaged senior management at both institutions, questioning them on alignment with national Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) priorities, strategic planning, and financial sustainability.
At Kitale National Polytechnic, which saw its student enrollment rise to 12,248 in 2025 from 11,951 in 2024, Chief Principal Dr. Tom Mulati highlighted funding constraints and increasing competition from other TVET institutions as significant challenges facing the institution.
“While HELB support has helped many students, the absence of government scholarships for some learners is affecting both enrollment and retention rates,” Dr. Mulati explained.
The Committee probed into the Polytechnic’s governance structure, asking for details on its alignment with national development goals. Dr. Mulati revealed that the institution’s 2023-2028 strategic plan prioritizes areas such as quality training, inclusivity, research, and resource mobilization. However, MPs also raised concerns about staffing shortages, with Dr. Mulati citing low salaries, limited government recruitment slots, and political interference as major hindrances to the institution’s growth.
“There’s a shortage of qualified trainers, particularly in professional fields like animal health and health sciences,” Dr. Mulati said. He also mentioned that two out of the institution’s three land parcels, totaling 132 acres, are under encroachment, which poses both legal and operational challenges.
The institution is also grappling with stalled capital projects, including those at Sigor and Chepareria Technical Training Institutes.
Meanwhile, at Bungoma National Polytechnic, Chief Principal Dr. Godfrey Murunga briefed the MPs on ongoing reforms, industry linkages, and financial sustainability. In response to a question on income generation, Dr. Murunga shared that the institution runs various ventures, including a dairy and poultry farm, a driving school, town campus, and water supply services. The institution also earns revenue through vehicle hire and rental property.
The Committee also examined Bungoma Polytechnic’s implementation of the Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) model and its efforts to address gaps in staffing. Dr. Murunga admitted that attracting and retaining instructors, especially in emerging technical fields, remained a challenge due to competition and disparities in remuneration.
MPs questioned the institution’s governance capacity and its readiness to implement TVET reforms, particularly those tied to digital transformation and the BETA agenda.
“We are committed to working with the Ministry of Education and relevant agencies to streamline overlapping mandates and secure funding for crucial capital projects,” said Hon. Melly.
The Committee’s visit underscored the need for targeted policy interventions and legislative action to address the challenges hindering the progress of these key technical institutions.
