The government has intensified its crackdown on schools found to have inflated student enrolment figures, in a decisive move aimed at protecting public resources and restoring integrity in the education sector.
Basic Education Principal Secretary, Prof Julius Bitok, disclosed that disciplinary action has already been taken against 20 headteachers across the country.
The action, approved by Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba, targets school administrators accused of falsifying student numbers to unlawfully benefit from government capitation funds.
Speaking during the 7th edition of the Elimu Mashinani forum in Nakuru County, Prof Bitok said the government will not tolerate misuse of public funds meant to support learners.
“We are committed to ensuring accountability at all levels. Any individual found culpable will face the full force of the law,” he said.
The PS noted that inflating enrolment figures not only diverts resources but also undermines planning and delivery of quality education.
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He emphasized that accurate data is critical in ensuring equitable allocation of funds, teachers, and learning materials across schools.
At the same time, Prof Bitok addressed concerns raised by students regarding the shortage of textbooks in some institutions.
The learners at the forum expressed fears that inadequate books were affecting their preparedness for national examinations.
In response, the PS announced that the Ministry of Education will roll out a new digital tracking system within one month to streamline the distribution of textbooks.
The system will enable real-time monitoring, ensuring that books reach the intended schools without delays or discrepancies.
He further revealed that immediate interventions are being implemented through Regional Directors of Education (RDEs) to address shortages in the most affected areas.
“We are undertaking reforms to make book distribution more efficient and transparent. Affirmative measures are already in place to ensure that no learner is disadvantaged,” he added.
By Kithinji Njeru
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