The National Assembly’s Public Investments Committee on Governance and Education has raised concerns over the prolonged stalling of multi-million-shilling construction projects at two Technical and Vocational Colleges (TVCs) in Kisii County. The Committee questioned delays affecting Kitutu Chache South TVC and South Mugirango TVC, both operating under the management of Kisii National Polytechnic, despite funds having been allocated for the development of the institutions.
Speaking during an inspection visit to Kisii National Polytechnic, Committee Chairman and Luanda Member of Parliament Dick Maungu said contractual challenges had contributed to the failure to complete the projects.
Kitutu Chache South TVC Project Stalled Since 2019
Maungu expressed concern that construction works at Kitutu Chache South TVC had remained incomplete since 2019 despite the institution receiving funding intended to facilitate completion. According to the legislator, the college received approximately Sh10 million in November last year and another Sh10 million in January, but the works remained behind schedule.
“Kitutu Chache South college received about Sh10 million last year in November and another Sh10 million in January, yet the works were incomplete and behind schedule,” Maungu said.
The Committee is now seeking explanations on how the allocated resources have been utilized and why the project has continued to experience delays.
South Mugirango TVC Stuck at 61.2 Percent
At South Mugirango TVC, the Committee found that construction had stalled at 61.2 percent, with the project having remained incomplete since 2019. Maungu attributed part of the delay to challenges involving payments to the contractor. He noted that the institution entered into a new contract in August 2024 with another company after the initial contract was terminated. However, concerns were subsequently raised over unauthorized variations to the roof design, as highlighted by the Auditor General.
The developments have raised questions over contract management and oversight in the implementation of TVET infrastructure projects.
Principal Ordered to Explain Delays
The Committee acknowledged efforts by the current Principal of Kisii National Polytechnic to revive the stalled projects but said more needed to be done to ensure the facilities are completed and put into use. Maungu said the Committee had directed the Principal, together with officers in charge of the respective projects, to appear before it within three weeks and provide detailed explanations on the delays. The appearance is expected to shed more light on the contractual, financial and administrative challenges surrounding the two projects.
MPs Demand Value for TVET Investments
The Committee emphasized that government institutions have a responsibility to ensure that funds allocated for development projects result in functional facilities that benefit learners and communities. Stalled TVET infrastructure can delay the expansion of training opportunities, limit access to modern learning facilities and undermine government efforts to increase technical and vocational skills development.
The Committee subsequently proceeded to inspect the construction sites at the two TVCs as part of its assessment of the progress of the projects. The inspection comes amid continued government efforts to expand and modernize TVET infrastructure across the country, with the sector expected to play a central role in equipping young people with practical skills for employment, entrepreneurship and industrial development.