According to details from a recent verification exercise, some schools have been inflating student numbers to illegally access state funding.
This scheme, which has been quietly happening for years, was uncovered under President William Ruto’s administration.
The audit shows that the government has been losing more than KSh1.1 billion every year to ghost students.
Over a four-year secondary school cycle, this amounts to nearly KSh4.4 billion lost to fake enrolments.
Capitation funds are meant to reduce the burden of school fees for parents by sending money directly to schools for each learner.
Unfortunately, dishonest officials and administrators took advantage of loopholes in the system by either double-counting students or creating names of learners who do not exist.
Education experts say this practice has not only wasted taxpayer money but also denied genuine schools and students the resources they deserve.
In many cases, schools struggling with limited facilities and books missed out because of the fraudulent records.
Principal Secretary for Basic Education, Dr. Belio Kipsang Bitok, confirmed that the cleanup is ongoing and will cover primary, junior secondary, and secondary schools.
He assured parents that the government is determined to ensure every coin reaches real students.
“The verification is a must. By the next round of funding, we will only release money to schools with genuine learners. This exercise will end misuse of public resources,” Dr. Bitok explained.
Education stakeholders have welcomed the move, noting that accountability in school financing is long overdue.
Many believe the crackdown will help restore faith in the free education program, which has been under pressure due to corruption and mismanagement.
The government has warned that tough action will be taken against any teacher or administrator found guilty of tampering with enrolment records.
Principal Secretary for Basic Education, Dr. Belio Kipsang Bitok, confirmed that the cleanup is ongoing and will cover primary, junior secondary, and secondary schools.
He assured parents that the government is determined to ensure every coin reaches real students.
“The verification is a must. By the next round of funding, we will only release money to schools with genuine learners. This exercise will end misuse of public resources,” Dr. Bitok explained.
Education stakeholders have welcomed the move, noting that accountability in school financing is long overdue.
Many believe the crackdown will help restore faith in the free education program, which has been under pressure due to corruption and mismanagement.
The government has warned that tough action will be taken against any teacher or administrator found guilty of tampering with enrolment records.
Penalties could include suspension, prosecution, and the recovery of stolen funds.