Education boards want thorough audit of Kenya schools

Dr James Kanya, Deputy chairman county education boards caucus. County education officers have welcomed the move by Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i to form a body to audit schools. (PHOTO: COURTESY)

County education officers have welcomed the move by Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i to form a body to audit schools.

They, however, decried the poor funding status of the County Education Boards (CEB), which they said has negatively affected their operations.

"We have been underfunded for the last two years and we ask the ministry to adequately fund us to enable us carry out our duties," said CEB caucus Chairman James Kanya (pictured).

The caucus brings together all the chairmen of the 47 CEBs.

Speaking in a meeting with Mr Matiang'i, the caucus said they want an immediate release of free education funds, and their proper involvement in education policy matters such as curriculum reforms.

The caucus also wants a reduction of Boards of Management members from the current number of 17 to about nine for effective management of schools.

Speaking at the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD), Dr Kanya said they are concerned with the schools audit, which they said does not guarantee proper use of Government resources.

He said the current audit system does not foster stringent accountability of public funds sent to schools and supported the new audit regime being put in place by the ministry.

"We fully support the initiative by the ministry to ensure school accounts are a true reflection of expenditure of public funds," he said.

Dr Matiang'i had accused the current schools auditors of colluding with principals to cook figures.

"The current financial problem we are experiencing in schools is a result of auditors who collaborate with school heads," said the CS.

He said his ministry was tightening audits in schools adding that it is setting up the office of Directorate of School Audit (DSA).

He said the body will scrutinise the use of the billions of shillings sent to schools.

Matiang'i said in a major departure from the past, DSA will examine books of accounts to identify the expenditure leakages and report back to the ministry.

He said school heads found to have presided over theft or misuse of the money will be forced to bear the responsibility.

Matiang'i said monies to be audited by the new body shall include free primary education, school feeding programme and funds meant for development.

"Schools that will not be able to account for money meant for textbooks will also be placed under the microscope of the new body," he said.

The CEBs caucus said the current fees structure had omitted crucial items that ought to be looked into.

He said funds for the ongoing schools projects; payment of teachers hired by schools and lunch for day school students was not covered.