MPs Raise Accountability Concerns Over NITA
The National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) is facing scrutiny from Members of Parliament over financial and land management concerns.
Lawmakers raised the issues during a session of the Public Investments Committee on Social Services (PIC-SSA), chaired by Emmanuel Wangwe.
The committee questioned NITA’s financial controls and asset management practices.
read:NITA Under Fire as MPs Probe Sh355M Mismanagement, Fake Land Deals & Missing Millions
Unspent Funds and Missing Cheques
MPs questioned how KSh355 million, representing 21 percent of NITA’s 2016/2017 budget, remained unspent.
The committee also reviewed audit findings that flagged:
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Missing cheques worth KSh12.8 million
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Irregular staff advances totaling KSh44.5 million
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Uncollected training levies amounting to KSh18.3 million
The alleged cheque irregularities were reportedly linked to a former employee.
Committee Chair Emmanuel Wangwe said NITA’s responses lacked clarity and supporting documentation.
He directed the authority to return with detailed records to address the audit queries.
Controversial Land Exchange in Mombasa
The committee also examined a land exchange involving NITA property in Mombasa.
According to audit records, the authority transferred prime land to private developers in exchange for property in Bombolulu.
However, MPs were told that the Bombolulu property had been occupied by squatters since 1996.
Lawmakers questioned the value and practicality of the exchange.
“We need to know under what circumstances this allocation was made,” Wangwe said during the session.
NITA officials reportedly could not provide complete documentation regarding the transaction.
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Asset Management Gaps
Further concerns emerged over asset management.
The audit indicated that NITA had not presented a complete fixed assets register.
In addition, key ownership documents for several properties were reportedly missing.
The committee also noted missing documentation relating to a motor vehicle donated by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO).
MPs described the submissions as insufficient to resolve the audit queries.
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Follow-Up Meeting Scheduled
The Public Investments Committee concluded that NITA had not adequately prepared for the session.
The authority was directed to reorganize its documentation and appear before the committee again on October 1, 2025.
Lawmakers emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in the management of public resources.
The follow-up session is expected to determine whether further action will be recommended.