Kilome MP Thaddeus Nzambia during the National Assembly’s Public Investments Committee on Education sitting on Thursday April 30, 2026. Photo by PBU. 
By PBU
The National Assembly’s Public Investments Committee on Education and Governance has raised alarm over widespread land encroachment, stalled infrastructure projects and unsustainable wage bills across several public institutions.
The concerns emerged during a session on Thursday as the committee reviewed Auditor-General reports for the financial years 2021/2022 to 2024/2025.
Chaired by Kilome MP Thaddeus Nzambia, the committee heard submissions from institutions including Garissa University, Machakos University, Laikipia University, the Kenya Education Management Institute (KEMI), the National Biosafety Authority and the Karen Technical Training Institute for the Deaf.
A key issue was flagged at KEMI, where a prime parcel of land valued at Sh950 million—hosting the Jacaranda Grounds in Embakasi East, Nairobi—has been partially encroached on by informal settlers for more than a decade.
KEMI Chief Executive Officer Dr Maurice Odondo told the committee that efforts to reclaim the land, including legal action and appeals to the parent ministry, have yet to bear fruit.
“The land measures 15.45 hectares, approximately 38 acres. Of this, about six acres have been encroached on, while 32 acres remain secured,” said Dr Odondo.
He added that a recent verification by the lands registry confirmed the entire parcel remains legally registered under KEMI, dismissing concerns that it had been excised.
However, lawmakers questioned the institution’s failure to fully safeguard the property, with Hon Nzambia pressing management on whether the land had been fenced, stressing the need for proactive protection of public assets.
At Garissa University, the committee took issue with the institution’s wage bill, which stands at 51 per cent of its total revenue—well above the legally prescribed ceiling of 35 per cent.
Vice Chancellor Prof Ahmed Warfa, represented by Head of Finance CPA Aden Mohamed, acknowledged the breach but noted that progress had been made in reducing the wage burden.
“Chairman, we agree with the findings. However, our wage bill has reduced from 65 per cent in previous years, and we are on a steady path towards compliance,” he said.
He attributed the high wage bill to staffing challenges, revealing that the university is currently understaffed by about 300 employees.
“Universities are labour-intensive. We are intensifying resource mobilisation to bridge the gap and meet the legal threshold,” he added.
The committee also scrutinised delays in the construction of an administration block at the university, a project valued at Sh518.4 million.
According to Auditor-General Nancy Gathungu, the project—initially scheduled for completion in August 2024—was only 40 per cent complete by May 2025, with the contractor having abandoned the site.
MPs demanded accountability for the delays, noting that Parliament had already allocated funds for the project.
“What is the current situation on the ground, and how has the money already allocated been utilised?” posed Hon Nzambia.
The probe further extended to Machakos University, Laikipia University, the National Biosafety Authority and the Karen Technical Training Institute for the Deaf, with lawmakers underscoring the need for prudent financial management and protection of public resources.
The committee warned that failure by institutions to address audit queries could attract sanctions, reiterating Parliament’s resolve to enforce accountability and transparency in the management of public funds.
