Ministry forms new audit body to crack down on corrupt school heads

The Government has set up a new audit body to crack down on corruption in schools.

The body to be known as Directorate of School Audit (DSA) will be tasked with scrutinising the use of the billions of shillings sent to schools.

According to Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang, DSA will examine books of accounts to identify the expenditure leakages and report back to the ministry.

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

"We had a meeting with the Cabinet Secretary and the Public Service Commission (PSC) and we will begin recruiting staff for this new body," said Dr Kipsang.

Cash to be audited by the new body includes that meant for free primary education, school feeding programmes and development. Schools that cannot account for money meant for textbooks will also be placed under the microscope of the new body.

The PS made the revelations when he appeared before before the National Assembly Education committee last week to discuss the Treasury's budget proposals for the Ministry of Education for 2016/2017 financial year. He was accompanied by his Higher Education counterpart Coletta Sudi.

The tough measures come a few months after Education Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i paid surprise visits to several schools and was shocked to find that some heads could not explain how they had used money sent to their schools.

In the 2015/2016 budget, the Government set aside over Sh32.7 billion for free day secondary education and Sh14.1 billion for free primary education.

According to the chair of the committee Sabina Chege (Murang'a), audit gaps have allowed school heads to source money from clueless donors to fund similar projects.

"It is important that all the money given to schools be put to good use," said Chege.

Cecilia Ngetich (Bomet) said school heads must show accountability for funds placed under their care.