The reports about the existence of ghost schools in Baringo County have taken a fresh twist after residents and leaders from the county denied the claims.
Baringo North Member of Parliament (MP) Joseph Makilap denied having a hand in the controversial establishment of fake schools in the County.
Makilap was responding to a recent exposé by NTV which reported that three schools in Baringo North Sub County were non-existent, yet they had signposts and gates.
The expose unmasked several schools that had no physical infrastructure, pupils or teachers whatsoever and whose only claim to existence were elaborately done signboards, gates and fences.
According to the expose, Kaptiony Girls High, Kampi Nyasi and Kasaka Secondary Schools have board of management (BOM) members and school fees accounts but no learners or teachers.
MP Makilap denied having any knowledge about the schools that were established without following due process regarding the registration of educational institutions.
Baringo County Commissioner (CC) Stephen Kutwa has also dismissed reports about the existence of ghost schools within the region.
Speaking to the press on Monday, May 13, in Kabarnet, Kutwa cleared the air insisting that that the institutions in question were not in operation but have just been proposed by members of the community.
He further raised concern over how such a story could be aired by a reputable media house without the confirmation from the County Education Director and his office who were supposed to provide factual news from the ground.
Also Read: Ruto Calls 4-Year-Old Girl Captured on Camera Crying Over School Reopening
“We have so many signposts of several proposed institutions in our county and that does not mean that they are operating. Some of the signposts might have been put up by the community to protect allocated lands from grabbers,” Kutwa said.
Baringo County Commissioner & Residents Clear Air
The County Commissioner further revealed that one of the schools mentioned is set to benefit from Ksh10 million Equalization Fund for this financial year.
Kutwa stated that it was very unfortunate for people to politicize matters of education in the county which he said facing numerous challenges like banditry and cattle rustling.
The administrator further urged the media to be truthful and mindful in its reporting so as not to paint a negative picture of the county known for many good things.
A section of residents from the region on May 14 also denied the existence of Kaptiony Girls High School and Kamp Nyasi Secondary saying that the gate and signpost are only there to protect the land.
These new developments come amid an internal investigation initiated by the Ministry of Education.
The investigation is aimed at establishing the motive behind the erection of signboards, gates and fences claiming the establishment of Kampi ya Nyasi Secondary School, Kaptiony Girls High School, and Kasaka Mixed Day Secondary School.
Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu while denying knowledge of the fake schools confirmed to the press that he has since written to Auditor-General Nancy Gathungu on May 13, calling on her to investigate the matter.
“In the past week, there have been reports of alleged fake schools in Baringo County. The reports include allegations that the fake schools are an avenue to siphon public funds, in the form of capitation to learners,” reads part of the letter dated May 13, 2024.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel for real-time news updates:
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaB3k54HltYFiQ1f2i2C
