Parliamentary Education Committee Commends Eldoret National Polytechnic Governance

 

In a significant move to ensure proper utilization of public funds, the Parliamentary Education Committee visited Eldoret National Polytechnic, with a focus on assessing how effectively funds allocated to educational institutions are being used.

The committee, led by Tinderet Member of Parliament Julius Melly, who also chairs the committee, praised the polytechnic’s efforts in both governance and infrastructure. The visit was marked by a detailed presentation from Chief Principal Charles Koech, who shared the institution’s audited financial report.

A major highlight of the visit was the institution's implementation of the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) program, which aims to certify individuals with skills acquired outside the formal education system. Melly lauded this initiative, emphasizing its importance in empowering skilled people who lack formal certifications.

“One of the things that stood out is the Recognition of Prior Learning. We did emphasize that this institution needs to reach out and certify people who have acquired skills but lack formal certification,” said Melly.

The committee was also impressed by the state of the polytechnic’s infrastructure, particularly the construction of a modern library with a capacity of 2,000 students. However, they noted that one building remained stalled, with the committee pledging to ensure its completion.

In addition to the positive remarks, the Education Committee reviewed the institution’s pending bills. Melly pointed out that the polytechnic had a remarkable record of keeping pending bills below 90 days, a stark contrast to other institutions where bills can remain unsettled for years.

"Most of the pending bills are less than 90 days old, which is very commendable. In some other institutions, pending bills date back up to 10 years. We commend the Chief Principal and the management," Melly added.

The committee also commended Eldoret National Polytechnic for its student leadership system, stressing the importance of involving students in governance. With a student population of 17,000, the institution is the largest polytechnic in Kenya, prompting the committee to promise continued support, particularly in ensuring the timely release of funds to avoid any project delays.

The visit underscored the institution’s commitment to quality governance and student involvement, further cementing its role as a leader in Kenya’s education sector.

April 09, 2025