𝐏𝐈𝐂 Govwrnnace and Education Advocates for 𝐊𝐈𝐒𝐓 Property Transfers
The National Assembly, Public Investments Committee, under the leadership of Hon. Jack Wamboka (Bumula), today convened a meeting with the Board of Trustees of the Kiambu Institute of Science and Technology (KIST). The primary focus of this meeting was to address the issue of transferring ownership of KIST’s property to the institution.
This development follows the Committee’s inquiry, prompted by the findings of the Auditor General’s report. The report highlighted a critical discrepancy where the institution’s 200-acre land is registered under the Board of Trustees, rather than in the institution’s name as legally required.
During the meeting, the Board of Trustees, led by their Chairman, Mr. Kimani Mathu, presented their standpoint. They asserted that all of KIST’s land is still registered under the name of the Trustees and maintained that they consider it private property.
Legislators engaged in a discourse with the Board about the imperative need to adhere to the provisions of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Act of 2013, which stipulates that all property should be held in the institution’s name, rather than under the purview of the Board. Legislators emphasized the significance of compliance with the law to ensure that the National Polytechnic fulfills its intended purpose and respects the wishes of the community that donated the land with the vision of establishing a university within their locality.
In the course of their submissions, it was pointed out that in June 1972, a substantial fundraising event was conducted at Kirigiti Stadium in Kiambu, presided over by the late H.E. Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, which raised 4.2 million. Members highlighted this historical event as evidence supporting the claim that the land is indeed public property and accordingly, should be officially registered under the institution’s name.
In addressing the matter, Hon. Jack Wamboka stated, “The Committee will safeguard the public interest andthat informed our order barring the Board of Trustees from accessing KIST premises. We thank you for your service to the institution, but we must adhere to the law. The land will be transferred to KIST.
As the committee proceeds to present its recommendations to the House, the Board remains barred from accessing the institution.
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