Kenyan schools ordered to display cash audit reports

The Government has directed secondary school principals to display their institutions audited accounts on school notice boards as a strategy to promote transparency on public funds.

Education Cabinet Secretary Jacob Kaimenyi told the heads of learning institutions to ensure the directive was adhered to.

A last year's KCSE Candidate at Kahuhia Girls High School receiving a present from Education Cabinet Secretary Prof Jacob Kaimenyi when he graced schools prize giving day. (PHOTO:BONIFACE GIKANDI/STANDARD)

Speaking at Kahuhia Girls High School's prize-giving day on Wednesday, Prof Kaimenyi said education officers must monitor the schools and ensure the guidelines are fully implemented.

Parents cheered

Parents and students at the function cheered the CS as he also spelt out the measure while teachers present murmured in disapproval.

Some of the teachers later claimed the new directive required wide consultation to ensure students are not incited into cases of unrest.

On utilisation of resources, the CS regretted that many of the schools were in a pathetic state despite allocation of vast sums of money towards renovation of the buildings.

"We have noted that many buildings in schools are in a pathetic state despite the administrators of learning institutions annually allocating funds to facilitate renovation," said Kaimenyi.

The CS said he had also banned mock examinations as they were found to be a conduit for siphoning funds from parents.

Senate Deputy Speaker Kembi Gitura, who was also at function, called for students to be taught to have morals and to shun smoking and alcoholism.

"It is high time the students are taught behaviour that will promote excellence in school," said Gitura.

Murang'a Secondary School Heads Association Chairman Willie Kuria pleaded with the Government to help avert the planned teachers' strike, which is set to coincide with the start of the third term.

"The Government should resolve the crisis," said Kuria, who is also the principal of Murang'a High School.