The damning report by the Elimu Bora Working Group reveals alarming lapses in accountability and transparency, with many schools failing to adhere to government regulations. Key institutions implicated include Moi Girls’ High School Kamusinga in Bungoma, Maranda High School in Siaya, Masii Boys High School in Machakos, Butula Boys High School in Busia, Machakos Girls High School in Machakos, and Nyamira Girls’ High School in Nyamira
Just weeks before schools reopen; a damning report from the Elimu Bora Working Group has exposed widespread financial mismanagement in several national secondary schools across Kenya.
The report reveals alarming lapses in accountability and transparency, with many schools failing to adhere to government regulations. Key institutions implicated include Moi Girls’ High School Kamusinga in Bungoma, Maranda High School in Siaya, Masii Boys High School in Machakos, Butula Boys High School in Busia, Machakos Girls High School in Machakos, and Nyamira Girls’ High School in Siaya.
These schools have been flagged for unsupported expenses, irregular procurement practices, and disregard for proper oversight. The 2021/2022 Auditor General report revealed discrepancies such as inaccurate financial statements and missing documentation, with many schools receiving qualified or adverse audit opinions.
Additionally, the report highlights cases where schools flouted procurement laws, engaged in inflated tendering, and circumvented necessary procedures. Notably, Nyamira Girls High School charged an unauthorized Sh8,725 per student for Board of Management (BoM) teachers, amounting to Sh9.2 million for the financial year. Similarly, Butula Boys and Masii Boys High Schools imposed unauthorized fee hikes.
Moi Girls’ Kamusinga could not account for Sh94.6 million in boarding and school fund payments, while Maranda High School inflated construction costs by over Sh8.5 million.
The report criticizes the Ministry of Education’s oversight, pointing out that school principals operate with little accountability, often disregarding BoM advice and engaging in self-serving practices. This power imbalance, compounded by conflicts of interest, has created a fertile ground for corruption.
Moreover, the Elimu Bora report condemned President William Ruto’s recent insistence on implementing the new Variable Scholarship and Loan Funding model despite ongoing legal challenges questioning its constitutionality. The Senior Economic Advisor Moses Kuria’s controversial remarks barring students not registered under the Social Health Authority from attending school were also criticized.
The report calls for urgent action to restore accountability and integrity in the management of school finances across the country.
