A special audit has uncovered a massive education funding scandal in Kenya, revealing that over Sh166 billion was disbursed to non-existent or misrepresented schools over the last four years.
The audit, conducted by the Office of the Auditor-General at the request of the National Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC), exposed 14 “ghost” schools that received funds through the National Education Management Information System (NEMIS), despite having no trace in official county education records or awareness by county education officials.
In addition to the ghost institutions, the audit highlighted:
Six closed schools that continued receiving government funding.
Thirteen schools operating under names that do not match their registered identities.
Inflated student numbers, allowing schools to fraudulently collect more capitation than warranted.
Significant discrepancies between actual and reported student enrolment figures, with some legitimate schools underfunded as a result.
PAC chairperson, John Mbadi, described the revelations as “shocking” and a clear sign of systemic manipulation and collusion. “This is organised fraud,” he stated. “There is a possibility that senior officials at the Ministry of Education are behind this scheme. We will summon them to explain this disgrace.”
The audit calls into question the reliability and integrity of the NEMIS platform, which was designed to ensure transparency and accountability in education funding. Lawmakers are now demanding urgent reforms, including tighter oversight, improved verification processes, and the prosecution of those found culpable.
The scandal has sparked public outrage, especially amid growing concerns about underfunded schools, poor infrastructure, and lack of essential learning resources across the country.
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.
