The National Assembly Departmental Committee on Education has raised serious concerns over the deepening financial crisis at the Technical University of Kenya (TU-K), questioning the institution’s leadership over delayed salaries, unremitted statutory deductions, and the collapse of its pension scheme.
Led by Tinderet MP Julius Melly, the committee visited the university to assess its operational challenges amid reports of financial distress. During the session, MPs expressed shock after Vice Chancellor Prof.
Benedict Mutua admitted that TU-K staff had not received their full salaries since 2013, leading to a backlog in unremitted deductions.
“Since 2013, no staff member has received their gross salary, meaning statutory deductions, including pensions, NSSF, and NHIF/SHIF, have not been remitted. In January and February 2025, we only managed to pay net salaries, not gross salaries,” Prof. Mutua revealed.
Committee Vice-Chair Eve Obara (Kabondo-Kasipul) and Nabii Nabwera (Lugari) questioned whether the university engaged an actuary before establishing its pension scheme.
“To start a pension scheme, an actuary must conduct an evaluation. Did you engage one to determine the best use of the scheme?” Nabwera inquired.
Concerns over staff welfare also emerged, with Rebecca Tonkei (Narok County Woman Rep) questioning why the university had frozen promotions despite ongoing financial struggles.
Prof. Mutua defended the institution, stating that TU-K was grappling with pending bills amounting to KSh 12.99 billion. He outlined a proposed debt repayment plan that extends until the 2031/2032 financial year, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education.
“My prayer to this Committee is that we help this university by bailing it out,” he appealed.
However, Committee Chair Julius Melly dismissed the idea of a bailout, saying it would not be a viable solution unless the university made drastic cost-cutting measures and developed new revenue streams.
The committee also raised concerns about TU-K’s dwindling student enrollment, which currently stands at 12,701 students, despite its strategic location in Nairobi’s city center.
Kitutu Masaba MP Clive Gisairo pointed out the university’s stalled infrastructure projects, questioning why an already struggling institution had taken on multiple construction projects that remain incomplete.
“Something I have noted in all these struggling universities is the number of infrastructure projects that have been started but stalled. Why do you have three unfinished projects? For a struggling institution, why are you taking on more than you can handle?” Gisairo asked.
The Education Committee is expected to compile a report with recommendations on resolving TU-K’s financial crisis, including possible reforms to enhance the university’s sustainability.
