Investigation Begins into Alleged Ghost Schools in Baringo County.
The recent discovery of purported fake schools in Baringo County has sparked an investigation into the matter, with Baringo North MP Joseph Makilap refuting any involvement. These alleged ghost schools lack physical infrastructure, teachers, or students, and their existence is based solely on elaborate signboards, gates, and fences.
MP Joseph Makilap firmly denied any connection to these controversial schools, emphasizing that their establishment disregarded proper registration procedures for educational institutions. This denial comes amid an internal probe initiated by the Ministry of Education to determine the motives behind the creation of Kaptiony Girls High School, Kampi ya Nyasi Secondary School, and Kasaka Mixed Day Secondary School.
Ministry’s Response
Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu has taken action by requesting an investigation into these schools. He has reached out to Auditor-General Nancy Gathungu, urging a thorough inquiry into the matter. While denying awareness of the fake schools, Machogu emphasized the need for accountability and public interest in addressing these allegations.
In a letter dated May 13, 2024, Machogu highlighted concerns about potential misuse of public funds through these alleged fake schools. Although initial investigations revealed that the schools were not registered or funded by the ministry, a special audit has been requested for comprehensive verification.
Further directives from Machogu included instructions to the principal secretary for Basic Education, Dr. Belio Kipsang, to ascertain the registration statuses of these schools and investigate the individuals responsible for erecting signage and gates. The goal is to determine the purpose behind these actions.
Baringo North Sub-county Director of Education, Kiprono Langat, has distanced himself from the registration and financial aspects of these schools. He clarified that neither was he involved in their registration nor did he approve any associated bank accounts.
MP Makilap explained that locals donated land for these proposed schools, with villagers erecting signboards and gates to protect against land-grabbing activities. Furthermore, he emphasized that these actions predate his tenure as an MP and are community-driven, denying any financial allocation from government sources.
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Legal Requirements
The Basic Education Act (2013) outlines stringent requirements for school registration, including adequate staff, facilities, governance structures, and detailed information about the institution’s operations. Consequently, failure to comply can lead to substantial fines or imprisonment.
This incident is reminiscent of a past case in 2017, where a Ministry of Education officer developed a fictitious school and received funds meant for non-existent students. As a result, this underscores the importance of stringent oversight to prevent financial misappropriation in the education sector.
As investigations unfold, the focus remains on ensuring transparency, accountability, and adherence to legal procedures in the establishment and funding of educational institutions. The outcome will determine whether further legal action, including involvement from law enforcement agencies, is necessary to address these concerning developments.
Investigation Begins into Alleged Ghost Schools in Baringo County.
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