The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) has intensified pressure on the Ministry of Education over rampant corruption linked to ghost schools and the mismanagement of capitation funds.
Speaking during a capacity-building forum in Murang’a County, Kuppet chairman Omboko Milemba accused rogue ministry officials of diverting billions meant for learners into fraudulent allocations. He said that funds targeting examinations, infrastructure, and student capitation have long been siphoned by insiders.
A recent Auditor General’s report revealed that Sh170 billion may have been lost in the last four years through allocations to 33 non-existent schools. The revelation shocked stakeholders, especially as many institutions continue to struggle with crippling delays in government disbursements.
“Let the ministry remove the log from its own eye before coming after teachers,” Milemba said, insisting that the real culprits behind ghost schools are ministry insiders.
Kuppet secretary general Akelo Misori echoed the concerns, faulting the government for failing to disburse 30 percent of this term’s capitation. He warned that schools may not adequately prepare for end-of-term examinations due to lack of funds.
Currently, each secondary school learner is entitled to Sh22,244 annually, released in three phases. However, persistent shortfalls have left schools in deficit. Kenya Secondary School Heads Association (Kessha) chair Willy Kuria previously reported that schools are owed over Sh18 billion this year alone, with arrears from both first and second term disbursements.
Beyond funding woes, teachers also raised concerns about their medical cover, which many hospitals reportedly reject, forcing staff to pay out-of-pocket. Misori termed this a major source of demotivation.
Kuppet further called for a policy shift moving Junior Secondary Schools from primary institutions to secondary schools, citing available infrastructure such as laboratories and classrooms. They argued that boarding schools could also admit day scholars, easing parental concerns while improving access to education.
As the standoff deepens, teachers are demanding accountability and urgent reforms within the ministry to restore confidence in the education sector.
