MPs flag financial management gaps in national schools

Members of Parliament have expressed concerns over the financial management in national schools, citing issues like surplus textbooks, long-standing fee arrears, unauthorized borrowing, and procurement irregularities. The National Assembly Public Investments Committee on Governance and Education, led by Luanda MP Dick Maungu, examined reports from the Auditor-General covering the 2020/21 to 2024/25 financial years during a retreat at the Royal Swiss Hotel in Kisumu.

Maungu questioned how some schools received hundreds of extra textbooks while others in marginalized areas continued to face shortages.

The committee plans to summon the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development to explain the textbook allocation process and whether it is based on the most recent enrollment figures. They expect the KICD to have accurate data to ensure sufficient supplies for all students, particularly those in remote areas like Mandera, Turkana, and others.

Maungu also highlighted millions of shillings owed to schools, with some arrears dating back to 2010 and 2015. He urged schools to present schedules detailing long-standing arrears and seek waivers through the Ministry of Education and the National Treasury, emphasizing that schools should not withhold certificates from students seeking higher education due to unpaid fees.

Maungu linked some arrears to delayed capitation payments, calling for timely disbursement of funds to schools. The committee also questioned school borrowing, citing Ng'iya Girls High School, which took a Sh50 million loan for a project estimated at Sh150 million. He stressed that principals must obtain proper approvals from the Ministry of Education and Treasury before taking loans, emphasizing that uncontrolled borrowing could lead to a financial mess.

The committee will issue recommendations on school borrowing and debt management. Additionally, they raised concerns over procurement practices, emphasizing that national schools must comply with the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act and have a head of procurement responsible for handling procurement processes. The committee will begin its scrutiny with around 120 to 130 national schools and extend it to other categories of public secondary schools.