Stakeholders at Taita Taveta National Polytechnic have petitioned Parliament to investigate what they describe as serious governance and management challenges that are affecting the institution’s operations and future growth.
The petition, which was received by the Office of the Clerk of the National Assembly on May 14, 2026, has since been forwarded to the Public Investments Committee on Education for consideration.
It raises concerns about leadership, financial management, staffing practices, and declining student enrollment at the institution, which is headed by Principal Show Kalama.
According to the petitioners, the polytechnic is facing significant administrative difficulties that have affected its ability to operate effectively.
They argue that weaknesses in governance and management have contributed to ongoing challenges within the institution, creating uncertainty among students, staff, and other stakeholders.
The concerns come barely two years after the institution was elevated to national polytechnic status through Legal Notice No. 6 of 2024. Stakeholders say the institution has struggled to fully benefit from its upgraded status and has not achieved the growth that many expected following the transition.
One of the major issues highlighted in the petition is the decline in student enrollment.
The stakeholders claim that the institution currently has about 3,000 active students despite having infrastructure capable of accommodating more than 10,000 learners.
They argue that this gap points to challenges in planning, student recruitment, and overall institutional management.
The petition also raises questions about the management of financial resources. Stakeholders allege that despite continued funding allocations, students continue to face shortages of essential learning materials and training equipment.
Concerns have also been raised about the state of some facilities and whether available resources are being utilized effectively to support teaching and learning activities.
In addition, the petition points to alleged irregularities in staffing patterns.
The stakeholders claim there are concerns regarding employment structures and possible non-compliance with requirements related to regional balance and inclusion in recruitment processes.
The allegations have generated concern within the institution’s academic community, with some stakeholders warning that continued administrative and operational challenges could affect the polytechnic’s ability to fulfill its mandate as a key technical and vocational training institution in the region.
The matter is now before Parliament, where lawmakers are expected to review the petition and determine whether a formal investigation should be launched.
The committee’s deliberations could also inform decisions on possible audits and further oversight measures aimed at assessing the institution’s governance and financial operations.
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