Ongeri silent over Sh1.3b book scam

By Beatrice Obwocha

Education Minister Sam Ongeri remains tight-lipped over the Sh1.3 billion textbook scandal.

Prof Ongeri declined to comment on the issue when approached by journalists in Molo yesterday, saying he was yet to see the report.

"I cannot comment on the report since I have not been in the office. I have to see it first then I can comment," he said.

He added: "National examinations are round the corner. We do not want it interrupted by anything. Teachers need to focus on them," he said.

A report released by British Aid Agency, Department for International Development (DfID) indicated textbooks worth Sh1.3 billion were lost, stolen or wasted.

Education PS Karega Mutahi was also quoted saying 5.8 million textbooks donated for Free Primary Schools were lost during post-election violence, poor storage and natural atrophy.

Meanwhile, Ongeri said Sh123.6 million was used to rehabilitate and build classrooms in 19 schools affected by post-election violence.

vandalism

He said in Molo and Trans Nzoia districts fire or vandalism destroyed school buildings and books. The Army rehabilitated the schools.

He said only six schools were remaining and would be rehabilitated at a cost of Sh35 million.

Ongeri noted the ministry had released Sh10 million to complete priority work as learning goes on.

The Minister was speaking during the official opening of Karirkania Primary School that was destroyed during the turmoil.

"The Army was engaged to reconstruct the schools because the situation at that time was so volatile that communities fled leaving schools abandoned," he said.

Speaking at the same function, Assistant minister for Defence David Musila named the schools that were rehabilitated as Haraka, Dagoreti, Jogoo, Maigoya, Lare, Gwachati, Marwa, Karirikania and Mwaragania.

 

 

Read all about: textbook scandal British Department for International Development DfID

 

 

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