This archive report was first published on 1 July 2021.
On July 1, 2021, a report exposed a shocking scandal in the Education Ministry, revealing that Sh1.8 billion in subsidies was overpaid to 2,610 public secondary schools in different counties.
The overpayment arose from erroneous computations of July and September 2019 disbursements, inflation of enrolment numbers in January 2020, and double payments to some schools, according to the report.
Furthermore, the auditor found that another Sh26.8 million was sent to schools whose existence was in doubt, and five schools that received disbursements had questionable status due to missing registration certificates and other required documents.
As a result, the auditor questioned the authenticity of Sh58.7 billion in reported subsidies for the year ended June 30, 2020, stating that it was not possible to confirm the accuracy and validity of the reported subsidies.
Millions more were paid as rental charges for office space for various State department's offices in the counties, which the ministry could not explain, and the auditor questioned the authenticity of Sh86 million paid for rent due to lack of valid lease agreements and approvals.
This is not the first time the Education Ministry has faced criticism for its handling of subsidies and free education programs. In 2018, a report revealed how the government paid billions of shillings to 'ghost' pupils under the Free Primary Education project.
