CS Ogamba Unveils Plan to Eliminate Ghost Schools and Enforce Education Reforms

Ghost Schools Under Investigation

“If there is a ghost school, the investigation will allow us to arrest those involved,” said Ogamba, as he emphasized the seriousness of the matter.

To enhance transparency and data integrity, the Ministry is deploying the Kenya Education Management Information System (KEMIS) to verify and register all legitimate institutions. This digital audit will clean up school data across the country.

Ogamba stressed that government funds are now directly wired to school-owned bank accounts, not individual managers, in a move aimed at curbing embezzlement.

The crackdown follows revelations from Parliament that part of the Ksh1.3 billion school infrastructure fund was allegedly allocated to non-existent schools with forged enrollment records and locations an elaborate scheme orchestrated by rogue officials.

CS Ogamba on University Fee Reduction

Addressing rising concerns over university education costs, Ogamba announced a 15% to 30% reduction in school fees, aimed at relieving the financial strain on Kenyan families.

All Vice Chancellors have been instructed to update their institutions’ fee structures on university portals by August 15. The CS urged university management not to penalize students during the transition period.

“I told the VCs not to chase away students as we resolved the challenges in the ministry,” Ogamba stated.

He reaffirmed the government’s dedication to reforms and public accountability, noting, “This government is a listening government.”

Warning Over Withheld Certificates

Ogamba also issued a stern warning to school heads who withhold student certificates, calling the practice illegal and punitive.

“It’s a criminal offence to keep students’ certificates,” said the CS. “We are recording all those cases, and we are going to take action.”

The Ministry of Education has pledged to prosecute any institution found guilty of withholding academic credentials, a long-standing issue that has drawn criticism for limiting students’ access to further education and employment.

He encouraged affected students and parents to report violations to local education offices or through official government channels.