Samburu Technical and Vocational College (Samburu TVC) is facing serious allegations of mismanagement and corruption, raising concerns about the integrity of its operations.
The institution, which is set to hold its first graduation ceremony on February 7th, has recently come under scrutiny for practices that seem to prioritize financial gain over academic integrity.
The issues were first highlighted by Cyprian Is Nyakundi, a well-known commentator who often sheds light on corruption and mismanagement in Kenyan institutions.
According to Nyakundi, a sponsor of a student from Samburu TVC reported troubling practices regarding the graduation ceremony.
The sponsor revealed that students who have not completed their coursework or passed their Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) exams were included on the graduation list.
The students, some of whom are still in session, have been instructed to pay Ksh 2,000 for graduation gowns and ceremony fees.
This has raised questions among parents and guardians about the legitimacy of the graduation, with some suspecting that the principal, rumored to be nearing a transfer, is trying to collect money before her exit.
Inquiries into the management of the institution have uncovered a culture of mismanagement, nepotism, and power consolidation by the principal, Lucy Mutembei, and the registrar, Vincent Kipyegon.
These two individuals are said to control all managerial functions at the college, including finance and procurement, with no checks or balances in place.
It is alleged that lecturers are forced to pay bribes to the registrar to secure future assignments, including per diem allowances.
This has created a toxic environment where lecturers fear retaliation if they voice concerns about the school’s operations.
The situation is further complicated by claims that the principal employed her sister as a lecturer, while the registrar’s wife secured a permanent government job at the institution.
This practice has reportedly silenced many staff members, who fear losing their jobs or facing punishment if they speak out.
The school’s management has also been accused of restricting staff members’ ability to engage in external activities, with any such engagements leading to punishment.
One of the most concerning aspects of this situation is the misuse of resources.
The college received a bus and a driving school truck donated through the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NGCDF), but these vehicles have reportedly been left to rust outside due to poor planning.
There are no proper parking arrangements or protective shade for the vehicles, and temporary drivers are only hired when the vehicles are needed.
Cyprian Is Nyakundi’s investigation also reveals that the recruitment process at the institution is heavily influenced by the principal and the registrar.
It is alleged that they manipulate the staff recruitment process to favor their allies, ensuring that only their preferred candidates are shortlisted for government jobs within the institution.
This has led to frustration among local residents, who have complained that their children are being denied opportunities in favor of individuals connected to the management.
Nyakundi’s source further claims that the principal’s leadership style is dictatorial, a characteristic she carried over from her time as a deputy at Meru National Polytechnic.
The allegations of mismanagement and corruption at Samburu TVC are just the latest in a long list of issues facing technical and vocational training institutions in Kenya.
The lack of oversight and accountability has led to a system where corrupt practices thrive, undermining the mission of these institutions.
The concerns raised by Nyakundi and his sources about the graduation ceremony and the management of Samburu TVC demand immediate attention from the Ministry of Education.
It remains to be seen whether the Cabinet Secretary for Education, who has been invited to the upcoming graduation, will take these allegations seriously or merely rubber-stamp the proceedings.
The future of Samburu TVC, and similar institutions across the country, hangs in the balance as questions about corruption and mismanagement continue to surface.
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