Bungoma, Kenya – The Senate Committee on Trade and Tourism has launched an investigation into the loss of Sh300 million by teachers to Metropolitan National Sacco. The investigation, led by Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah, began with a meeting in Bungoma at the Mabanga Agricultural Training Centre on Saturday, where the committee gathered input from the affected teachers.
According to Kenya News Agency, plans are underway to summon Simon Chelugui, Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives, Nancy Macharia, CEO of the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), and the top leadership of KUSCO. These individuals are expected to provide detailed information on the loss of funds and discuss potential recovery methods. The summonses are scheduled for next week, where the parties will appear before the House committee to offer further insights.
Omtatah emphasized the Senate’s commitment to ensuring accountability for those involved in the misappropriation of the teachers’ funds. He assured that the committee is dedicated to resolving the issue and holding responsible parties accountable. Bungoma Senator Wafula Wakoli also attended the session in support.
The affected teachers expressed their frustration, claiming that the Sacco has been unresponsive to their requests to withdraw their money. They further alleged negligence on the part of the TSC, accusing it of continuing to send funds to the Sacco even after they had submitted withdrawal letters. One teacher highlighted the difficulty in obtaining loans, with small installments being released instead of the full requested amounts.
Furthermore, the teachers reported not receiving dividends for the last five years, despite the Sacco’s business activities with their funds. Their repeated demonstrations and calls for action have so far been unheeded, leading to the intervention of the Senate committee.
The committee has instructed the TSC to cease transferring funds to Metropolitan Sacco for members who have indicated their desire to withdraw. The committee pledged to thoroughly investigate the matter and provide a resolution within 21 days.