28 education bosses under scrutiny over ghost learners fraud

Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok says audit report on schools to be forwarded to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations. [File, Standard]

Twenty-eight County Directors of Education face disciplinary action after a Ministry of Education audit uncovered the irregular registration of ghost learners and non-existent schools, raising fears of embezzlement of public funds.

The audit revealed widespread discrepancies in enrolment data, indicating that capitation grants meant for legitimate learners were diverted through fraudulent entries in the National Education Management Information System (Nemis).

Speaking at Londiani Girls Secondary School in Kipkelion East Constituency during the issuance of Sh55 million in National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) bursaries, Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok said the government had moved to hold those responsible to account. “We have issued show-cause letters to 28 County Directors of Education after the audit report revealed their culpability in the registration of ghost learners and schools,” said Bitok.

He added that the ministry will forward the audit report to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations next week for further inquiries and possible prosecution. “We are determined to drain the swamp and ensure any official found culpable is prosecuted,” he said.

Bitok stressed that capitation funds are intended to benefit learners directly by supporting tuition, infrastructure and learning materials, warning that siphoning public resources undermines efforts to provide quality and equitable education.

Kipkelion East MP Joseph Cherorot said development projects in the constituency were progressing, noting that Phase One of the Sh29 million Londiani School of Agriculture is nearing completion. Construction of the Londiani–Makutano road is also set to begin to improve transport and stimulate economic growth.

On healthcare, Cherorot said Sh3.6 million has been allocated through NG-CDF to enroll residents aged 80 and above into the Social Health Authority.

Kericho Woman Representative Beatrice Kemei lauded government efforts in recruiting of more than 100,000 teachers in recent years and the timely release of capitation funds. She said her Usawa Kwa Wote programme supports vulnerable students and teenage mothers through full scholarships.