At least Ksh2 billion meant for Kenyan schoolchildren has been misappropriated, according to reports by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.
According to the prime CS, the money was looted through corruption within government systems, necessitating immediate reforms in the education ministry.
Speaking on Sunday, July 27, Mudavadi confirmed that the government had received reports indicating massive misappropriation of funds intended to support free education across the country.
“We have reports of funds meant for capitation having been misappropriated in certain circumstances, with the dailies reporting an estimated 2 billion shillings having been misused,” Mudavadi stated
Capitation funds are meant to help schools cover essential needs such as textbooks, exams, learning materials, utilities, and general school operations.
However, Mudavadi has revealed that officials within the ministry of education’s disbursement chain have been diverting the money for personal gain, taking advantage of the manual system that runs the process.
Also Read: Why Capitation for Secondary Schools Has Been Reduced- CS Mbadi
Mudavadi Announces New Reforms
Consequently, to prevent further losses, the government is moving to digitize the entire capitation process, transitioning from paperwork to a digital infrastructure.
According to the CS, the new structure will enable the government to track every shilling disbursed.
“Some people opposed it when the president announced the digitization of capitation. They are compalining because they are the ones stealing from our children through the manual system.
“We will not allow this. We must move forward and use technology and ensure that resources get to the people who are required,” added Mudavadi.
The new system is a collaboration between the Ministry of ICT and the Ministry of Education, which is expected to make use of platforms like eCitizen and other secure payment technologies to ensure schools receive funds directly and transparently.
The government allocates an estimated Ksh600 billion annually to the education sector, making it one of the largest budget allocations.
Mudavadi noted that such a significant amount cannot be left vulnerable to cartels and shadowy networks operating in the background.
“The government is putting in place a budget of around Ksh 600 billion to fund the education sector.
“We want to relook at the whole process of disbursement and audit, where does the 600 billion go to, and what the funds support, because we want to organize it better,” he said.
School capitation funds are released in three phases: 50% in Term One, 30% in Term Two, and 20% in Term Three.
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Hardships in Schools and University
The CS also acknowledged the financial hardships facing students in universities and tertiary institutions.
He noted that many students struggle to afford even basic meals. Moreover, he assured the public that reforms will ensure deserving students are supported fully and consistently.
He added that government systems must become more accountable and transparent, and officials in the education sector must be held to the same standard as any other public office.
“We also understand the difficulties our children in universities and other institutions of higher learning are facing, and many can’t even afford a meal.
“We are working to ensure all our children who deserve to be at the university can benefit from government support and even afford to have a decent meal,” Mudavadi said.
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