The Kenya National Union of Teachers, West Pokot branch, has welcomed the ongoing nationwide audit of student enrollment.
Branch Executive Secretary Martin Sembelo says it is a necessary step toward enhancing transparency and eliminating corruption in the education sector.
Addressing the press, Sembelo said the verification exercise will help establish the actual number of learners in the country and ensure that public resources are distributed fairly and accurately.
“This audit is long overdue. It will help us know the real number of students and root out cases of corruption such as ghost learners,” said Sembelo.
However, he urged the government to exercise caution when counting learners from marginalised regions like West Pokot to ensure no student is left out.
“Some of our learners come from very remote areas and may not be easily accessible. We appeal for care and inclusivity to ensure every child is counted,” he added.
READ ALSO:
Reviving the golden age of public primary schools in rural areas
Sembelo reiterated KUPPET’s commitment to transparency and accountability in education and called on school heads to support the data verification teams.
“We urge principals and headteachers to cooperate fully with the Ministry of Education officials. This is a collective responsibility that will benefit all stakeholders,” he said.
Teachers’ unions in the region, including KUPPET and KNUT, recently held a joint meeting and unanimously agreed to support the exercise.
The Ministry of Education has so far verified data from over 20,000 schools and uncovered numerous cases of non-existent or “ghost” learners. Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok noted that early findings suggest the total number of learners in the country could drop by up to 10 percent.
“We’ve already seen a significant discrepancy in enrollment figures. The verification will guide future funding and policy decisions,” said PS Bitok, adding that the exercise may also lead to a reduction in the number of schools.
The audit is expected to continue in the coming weeks, with education stakeholders keenly watching its implications on capitation, staffing, and overall education planning.
By Kimutai Langat
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
