Bumula MP Jack Wamboka speaking at Cardinal Otunga TVC during the inauguration the new board to spear development in the Institution/HANDOUT
Bumula MP Jack Wamboka says Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions have become the new economic lifeline for Bungoma County following the collapse of key industries.
He said TVETs are now the main drivers of local economic activity and must be fully supported to sustain livelihoods.
Speaking at Cardinal Otunga TVC Tulumba during the inauguration of the new Board of Governors, Wamboka said the institutions play a critical role in the local economy.
He noted that residents earn income by supplying goods and services, renting houses to students and running small businesses around the colleges.
Wamboka reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening and expanding TVETs in Bumula Constituency.
He said the institutions are key to youth empowerment, job creation and long-term economic stability.
The newly inaugurated board will be chaired by Prof. Saul Namango.
Other members include Dr. Robert Nyukuri, CPA Emily Simiyu and Brian Singoro.
Wamboka said Bumula ranked last in education performance countywide when he took over from former MP Mwambu Mabonga.
He said the constituency has since risen to number three in Bungoma County through collaboration with school heads and NG-CDF investment.
“After the collapse of Bungoma’s strategic investments like Nzoia Sugar Company and Webuye Panpaper, we have embarked on strengthening TVETs to stimulate local economic growth,” Wamboka said.
He cited Cardinal Otunga TVC Tulumba and Musakasa TTI as institutions that have received major investment in infrastructure and enrolment.
Wamboka praised Education Cabinet Secretary Ogamba Migos for supporting education development in Bumula.
He said the CS facilitated the appointment of a substantive principal at Cardinal Otunga TVC.
The MP claimed that between 2017 and 2022, the Bumula NG-CDF allocated Sh500,000 to Cardinal Otunga TVC under the former MP.
He alleged that the funds cannot be traced.
“According to NG-CDF financial records, Sh500,000 was allocated to this institution, but there is no accountability for that money,” he said.
The Public Investments Committee chairperson said Cardinal Otunga TVC previously lacked a substantive principal.
He said student numbers were also very low but the situation has since improved.
Wamboka urged TVET heads to manage resources responsibly to achieve maximum impact.
He reiterated his commitment to transforming young people’s lives through technical training.
The MP announced that NG-CDF has allocated Sh25 million for major infrastructure projects at Cardinal Otunga TVC.
He said the funds were held until the board was put in place.
“I had instructed the principal that the Sh25 million should not be touched until a board was in place,” Wamboka said.
Planned projects include construction of a storey building for lecture halls and workshops.
Other projects include procurement of modern hospitality equipment and establishment of a training restaurant.
Wamboka urged the new board to ensure transparency, efficiency and accountability as the institution enters a new phase of growth.
