MPs' query land ownership of Kiambu National Polytechnic in oversight visit

MPs' query land ownership of Kiambu National Polytechnic in oversight visit 

𝐊𝐢𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐮 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲 
𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝟏𝟒𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓

A Parliamentary Committee inspection visit to the Kiambu National Polytechnic has raised concerns about the ownership of the institution's land.

Members of the National Assembly Committee on Education questioned the Kiambu National Polytechnic senior management on the unclear status of the ownership of the land 

The Committee, led by Chairperson Hon. Julius Melly, conducted a fact-finding mission at the Polytechnic as part of their oversight mandate.

Legislators demanded clarity over the ownership, title deeds, and valuation of the institution’s land.

"The issue of land ownership at this institution is not new. In 2017, this Committee looked into this same matter. The Board of Trustees, which was initially established to hold the land in trust for the public, has gradually morphed into what appears to be a private entity," said Committee Chair, Hon. Melly.

Documents presented by the Polytechnic administration showed that the institution currently has 70 acres, with the lease held by the National Treasury. 

However, Committee Members questioned the Principal Mr. Sammy Waititu on the status of the original title. "We need to see the mother title. What we have seen here is a lease. The land was originally freehold. So where is the original title deed today?" asked Hon. Njoroge Kururia.

In response, Principal Sammy Waititu said the Polytechnic was established in 1979 through an initiative spearheaded by President Jomo Kenyatta. Initially, 200 acres were purchased through community contributions. 

"In 2017, the then President directed that the land be officially handed over to the institution. As a result, we now have 70 acres with the lease held by the National Treasury. However, the original title remains with the Board of Trustees," said the Principal.

"The fact that the original title is still held by Trustees is very telling. It’s clear the land is not in the hands of this institution," stated Hon. Abdul Haro.

Hon. Nabii Nabwera expressed concerns. He said "This is a very interesting management issue. Why would a Board of Trustees hold public land meant for a public institution?"

According to the Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Act, 2013, which came into force in June 2013, all assets of public TVET institutions should be managed and owned by the Board of Governors.

"The TVET Act is clear. The role of Trustees does not exist in the current legal framework. All properties of such institutions should be under the name of the institute, managed by the Board of Governors," noted Hon. Melly.

Lawmakers' called for an urgent review of the institution’s governance and land ownership documents, demanding the original title and financial statements from the Trustees.

"This Committee cannot ignore these inconsistencies. We need a clear inventory of all land assets, their titles, and current management structure. And we must see the financial statements of the Board of Trustees," added Hon. Dick Maungu.

The Committee on Education pledged to follow up on the matter to ensure the Polytechnic’s assets are properly aligned with the law and under public control. 'We shall have a convene a meeting with the Board of Trustees National Land Commission and Ministry of Lands on this matter", said Committee Vice Chair, Hon. Eve Obara. 

“We need details on the history of the land ownership and any communication with the Ministry of Lands, the National Treasury. The public deserves to know that institutions like Kiambu National Polytechnic are operating transparently and within the law,” concluded Hon. Melly.

The Committee on Education also visit Kabete National Polytechnic and Nairobi National Polytechnic.