Members of parliament have summoned Gideon Moi, the former Baringo Senator and chairman of the board of trustees for Rift Valley National Polytechnic, regarding the delayed transfer of over 5,000 acres of land to the institution.
The land, initially donated in 1972 by the late President Daniel Moi, was meant for the polytechnic, previously known as the Rift Valley Institute of Science and Technology.
The MPs are seeking explanations for why only 200 acres, valued at KES 1.08 billion, have been transferred, despite the legal mandate outlined in the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Act of 2014.
During a session of the Public Investments Committee on Governance and Education, chaired by Bumula MP Wamboka Wanami, members expressed frustration over the situation. Wanami pointed out that the board of trustees, led by Moi, was tasked with transferring the entire parcel of land.
“If the late Moi intended to donate land, he should have given his own,” Wamboka criticized, emphasizing that the public land must remain with the polytechnic. “This is why we are summoning Gideon Moi to clarify the issue,” he added.
The committee raised concerns that the land, which was purchased by the public and placed under the trustees’ care, is yet to be fully handed over to the school. According to the TVET Act, all public institution land should be controlled by the respective institution, and any delay contravenes this law.
To address the matter, the MPs announced plans to visit the polytechnic and investigate the circumstances behind the stalled transfer. Wamboka underscored the importance of resolving the issue, stating, “We want to understand why the board has not complied with the law and what steps will be taken to ensure the institution regains full control of its property.”
