Senator Seki Demands Answers Over Ksh183 Billion Education Funding Gap and Ghost Schools in NEMIS
A damning report presented to the Senate has exposed a massive funding crisis in Kenya’s public education sector, with public schools underfunded by over Ksh183 billion. The revelations have triggered urgent calls for accountability, reforms, and immediate verification of data in the National Education Management Information System (NEMIS).
Billions in Shortfalls Across All Education Levels
According to the report, public schools across multiple levels face severe underfunding:
- Ksh71 billion shortfall for public secondary schools
- Ksh31 billion deficit for Junior Secondary Schools (JSS)
- Ksh14 billion gap for primary schools
- Ksh67 billion lacking in Special Needs Education (SNE) programs
The cumulative figure points to systemic budgeting and allocation failures that threaten the quality and sustainability of Kenya’s education reforms, especially under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
“These revelations raise fundamental questions about transparency and accountability within the Ministry of Education and related agencies,” stated Senator Seki, as he addressed the Senate.
Funding to Ghost Schools Sparks Outrage
In a shocking twist, Senator Seki revealed that at least 14 ghost schools had been fraudulently included in NEMIS and received capitation funds despite not being operational. He questioned how these schools made it into the system without verification, calling the situation a betrayal of the Kenyan people.
“Disbursing billions to non-existent or non-operational schools, while learners face teacher shortages, infrastructure challenges, congestion, and delayed funding, is unacceptable,” he said.
Senate Committee Under Pressure to Respond
Seki called on the Senate Standing Committee on Education to:
- Explain steps being taken to address underfunding—particularly in JSS, where CBC implementation has created high infrastructural and operational demand.
- Identify officials from the Ministry of Education and National Treasury responsible for irregular payments and inclusion of ghost schools.
- Provide updates on recovery efforts for lost funds and any disciplinary measures taken.
- Clarify whether a nationwide verification exercise is being planned to clean up the NEMIS database and safeguard public funds.
A Call for Urgent Action
Senator Seki emphasized the need to restore accuracy and integrity in Kenya’s education data systems, warning that continued misuse of capitation funds would result in deeper crises.
“Verification is key. It will avert further loss of public funds through disbursement to ghost schools,” he stated.
The report has sparked growing concern among education stakeholders, including school administrators, parents, and civil society groups, who have long complained of delayed funding, teacher shortages, and lack of infrastructure—particularly in the rollout of Junior Secondary under CBC.
Conclusion: Kenya’s Education Sector at a Crossroads
The exposé underscores deep-rooted flaws in Kenya’s education funding and management systems. As pressure mounts on the government to take swift corrective measures, the public awaits firm action from both the Ministry of Education and the Senate.
Without urgent intervention, the credibility of Kenya’s education reforms and the futures of millions of learners remain at risk.