Lawmakers' push for timely release of capitation, better staffing in national polytechnics

Lawmakers' push for timely release of capitation, better staffing in national polytechnics

𝐕𝐢𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐚 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲 
𝐓𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝟏𝟎𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓

Members of the National Assembly Committee on Education have raised concerns over serious gaps in staffing, delays in disbursement of capitation and infrastructure in national polytechnics during a recent oversight visit to three institutions in Western Kenya.

The Committee chaired by Hon. Julius Melly (Tinderet) conducted inspection visits to Shamberere, Sigalagala, and Kaimosi Friends National Polytechnics.

At Sigalagala National Polytechnic, Principal Mr. Evans Busire told the Committee that while enrolment has grown to 15,851 trainees, the current infrastructure and staffing levels are not sufficient to support the rollout of CBET programmes.

“We need more workshops, laboratories, and machinery. Our current staff is 397, but we are still experiencing a shortage of technical trainers. Many of them are aging and we have limited opportunities for career growth and retraining,” he said.

Mr. Busire added that although the institution has no pending bills and fully owns its land they require more support. “Our major concern is inadequate and delayed funding. The capitation of Kshs. 30,000 per student has been delayed affecting enrollment,” he said.

Hon. Peter Orero (Kibra) noted that the TVETS were making progress but need strong government backing. “These polytechnics are doing commendable work, but they cannot succeed with chronic underfunding. We must bridge the trainer gap and ensure timely disbursement of capitation and scholarships,” he said.

Hon. Rebecca Tonkei (Narok) echoed the sentiment, calling for proper alignment of the institutions’ budget allocations with their strategic training goals. “The capitation delay is a serious issue. Students enroll expecting government support, but funds don’t come on time, leaving institutions financially exposed,” she said.

Legislators acknowledged that most institutions rely heavily on student fees, capitation, bursaries, and the government’s new funding model — all of which face disbursement delays. “This affects service delivery, especially for CBET programmes that are resource-intensive,” Hon. Jerusha Momanyi (Nyamira).

Committee Members decried the high cost of registration and practical assessments under the Curriculum Development Assessment and Certification Council (CDACC) was highlighted as a growing challenge. Some of the assessments require expensive materials and equipment, particularly in engineering and construction courses.

"CDACC assessment fees are not practical. Trainees are struggling to register, and that threatens their ability to complete their training. Government must step in to subsidize these costs," said Committee Chair, Hon. Julius Melly (Tinderet). 

Hon. Rebecca Tonkei added, "We have visited other polytechnics and the high cost of assessment registration and practical assessment fees is prohibitive. "

At Kaimosi Friends National Polytechnic, Principal Dr. Odhiambo Okumu pointed out a staffing shortfall of 104 trainers, delays in trainee placement communication by KUCCPS, and financial constraints faced by students. “We’ve introduced modularised training where trainees take short, practical courses and get assessed so they can start generating income,” he said.

Lawmakers also inspected Shamberere National Polytechnic. The Polytechnic reported no pending bills and no ongoing capital projects. Principal, Mr. Elisha Nyamu said the institution is stable but needs more strategic support to expand its capacity.

Committee Members expressed concern over the institutions’ ability to meet the country’s skills development agenda under current constraints. “We cannot achieve TVET reforms without fully addressing staffing gaps and funding delays,” said Hon. Julius Taitumu (Igembe North).

Committee Members also assured the National Polytechnics that they are ready to engage with TVETs in the development of the Technical Trainers Council Bill to facilitate efficient structuring of the welfare and recruitment of officers working in TVET institutions.

Speaking during the inspection visit at the Nyeri National polytechnic National polytechnic and The Meru National polytechnic the sub committee led by the Committee Vice chair, Hon Eve Obara (Kabondo Kasipul) noted with concern that senior officers serving at the management levels in the TVETs institutions do not earn responsibility allowances for those positions because the Public Service Commission has not appointed them substantively.

Among the offices which do not have substantive officers are the registrars, Chief Finance officers, heads of human resources and heads of departments among others.

The Committee also urged the National polytechnics to concentrate on investing in courses which will benefit students who earn a living after completing their courses.