87,000 ghost learners found in public schools

By Newsflash Writer

The Ministry of Education has uncovered at least 87,000 “ghost” learners in public schools during a nationwide audit of Basic Education institutions, a discrepancy that may have cost taxpayers up to Sh1 billion.

An Auditor-General’s report further reveals that falsified enrolment figures have drained over Sh4 billion in capitation funds over the last four years.

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba confirmed that thousands of fictitious learners and non-existent schools have been identified, warning that those responsible will face sanctions.

“We have so far uncovered 87,000 ghost learners in public schools. The government will act against individuals who inflated enrolment figures. Heads must roll,” Ogamba said. He emphasized that schools with significant discrepancies are being physically inspected before any punitive action is taken. Ogamba noted that nearly Sh1 billion in funds is being held pending verification because reported enrolment figures do not match reality.

The CS said the verification exercise aims to ensure that funding and resources are allocated based on accurate data. “Once we correlate the figures, we hand them over for confirmation. Those unable to explain discrepancies will face consequences. We are a country governed by rules,” he said.

The audit has exposed systemic failures in school data management. With only 600 Quality Assurance Officers and 200 auditors overseeing more than 53,000 institutions, monitoring has been overstretched, worsened by a lack of transport for officers in remote areas. By November 10, 246 primary and 102 junior schools had failed to submit updated enrolment data, though all secondary schools were cleared.

Investigation and accountability

State Department for Basic Education Director-General Elyas Abdi said schools with questionable data will be isolated and physically inspected. Principal Secretary Julius Bitok urged head teachers to verify their data to ensure timely and accurate capitation next term.

Ogamba confirmed that once verification is complete, the ministry will hand over the final lists to investigative agencies. “We do not have over-enrolment of one million learners as claimed. They are about 87,000 so far. Verification must be thorough to eliminate errors,” he said, noting the audit began on September 5, 2025.

While some, including Kenya Primary Schools Heads Association chairman Fuad Ali, blamed past failures in the National Education Management Information System (Nemis) rather than head teachers, lawmakers such as National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo, Kitui South MP Rachael Nyamai, and Kilifi North MP Owen Baya have demanded decisive action against officers who allowed funds to be sent to non-existent schools.

Ogamba asked for two more months to conclude the probe, stressing that administrative and legal measures will follow once verification is complete. He confirmed the ministry is investigating staff involved, the bank accounts used, and the specific schools, counties, and sub-counties implicated. The audit coincides with plans to streamline the Comprehensive Schools structure and rationalize capitation allocations to prevent further misuse of public funds.