PIC Governance and Education Committee Warns Universities Over Late Audit Submissions
Vice Chairperson Anthony Kibagendi, who chaired the afternoon session, reiterated the importance of professionalism and urgency in audit compliance.
Bumula MP Jack Wanami. Photo/Parliament of Kenya.
By Robert Assad
The Public Investments Committee (PIC) on Governance and Education has issued a stern warning to higher learning institutions over continued delays in submitting audit documents to the Office of the Auditor-General.
Chaired by Bumula MP Jack Wanami Wamboka, the committee expressed deep concern over what it described as a growing culture of non-compliance among vice chancellors and principals.
Lawmakers noted that the delays are undermining parliamentary oversight, limiting scrutiny of public funds, and threatening transparency and accountability in the education sector.
During a session held to examine the Auditor-General’s reports for the financial years 2021/2022 to 2023/2024, the committee met with senior officials from several institutions including the University of Nairobi, University of Embu, Nyeri National Polytechnic, Meru National Polytechnic, Co-operative University, and Nairobi National Polytechnic.
The University of Nairobi was singled out for submitting its reports well past the deadline and was consequently dismissed from the meeting. Chairperson Wamboka condemned the failure as “inexcusable incompetency” and affirmed the committee’s firm stance against institutions that violate audit timelines.
“We are drawing a line today,” Wamboka declared. “Late submissions are not just procedural oversights — they are a direct affront to accountability. Moving forward, penalties will be enforced to deter this recurring negligence.”
Other committee members echoed his sentiments, criticizing the apparent normalization of late responses by university heads.
They emphasized that timely submission of financial documents is not only a legal requirement but also critical to proper auditing and equitable resource allocation.
“The repeated failure by institutions to comply with audit deadlines is unacceptable,” said one member. “As custodians of public funds, these leaders must adhere to the law to safeguard the interests of Kenyan citizens.”
Vice Chairperson Anthony Kibagendi, who chaired the afternoon session, reiterated the importance of professionalism and urgency in audit compliance.
In his closing remarks, he urged all institutions to treat the matter with the seriousness it deserves.
“Audit compliance is not optional,” Kibagendi stated. “It is a fundamental obligation and should be prioritized at all levels of management.”
The committee has vowed to intensify its oversight and take decisive action against institutions that continue to flout audit requirements.
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