National schools could face tighter financial controls after MPs raised questions over how institutions are handling loans, unpaid fees, textbooks and procurement, with some schools found to have received learning materials far beyond their needs.
The concerns emerged during a review of Auditor-General reports covering the 2020/21 to 2024/25 financial years by the National Assembly Public Investments Committee on Governance and Education.
The Committee, led by Luanda MP Dick Maungu, held discussions with principals of Ng’iya Girls High School, Maseno School, Maranda Boys High School, Kisumu Girls High School and Chavakali Boys High School during a retreat in Kisumu.
Members questioned the distribution of textbooks after finding cases where schools received hundreds more books than their requirements, despite shortages reported in schools located in marginalised parts of the country.
“We have seen a school that received 400 and 506 extra books,” Maungu said, questioning whether the surplus at some institutions was leaving other schools without enough learning materials.
“The question is, when you receive extra numbers, does it mean there is a school somewhere that does not have books?”
The Committee said it would call in the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) to explain the system used to distribute textbooks and establish whether the figures used are based on current school enrolment.
Maungu said the government should ensure schools in remote counties, including Mandera and Turkana, are not left struggling for basic learning materials while other institutions receive supplies beyond their needs.
The Committee also examined millions of shillings owed to schools in unpaid fees, with some of the outstanding amounts having remained unsettled since 2010 and 2015.
Maungu asked the affected schools to compile details of the old arrears and pursue waivers through the Ministry of Education and the National Treasury.
At the same time, he told school administrators not to retain certificates belonging to former learners who need them to proceed to universities and colleges because of unpaid fees.
“We have advised them that they don’t need to hold a certificate for the learner because this student wants to join university or college. On the other hand, they need to have this money paid,” he said.
The Committee connected some of the fee arrears to delays in government capitation, which have made it harder for schools to meet their financial obligations.
Maungu called for government funds to be released on time, saying schools need predictable funding to manage their operations and reduce pressure caused by delayed payments.
Borrowing by schools without the required government clearance was another issue that drew the attention of the MPs.
Ng’iya Girls High School was cited after taking a bank loan of about Sh50 million towards a project whose estimated cost was Sh150 million.
Maungu warned that schools could find themselves in serious financial difficulty if principals are allowed to secure loans without proper checks and approval.
“That should be very limited. If you allow principals to keep borrowing money left, right and centre, we shall enter into a total mess,” he said.
He said any school seeking to borrow must first obtain approval from the Ministry of Education and the National Treasury.
The MPs also questioned procurement procedures in national schools and reminded administrators that purchases must comply with the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act.
They further said schools should employ qualified procurement officers to ensure the process of acquiring goods and services is properly handled and follows the required rules.
The Committee is using the audit findings to examine how national schools manage public resources and identify areas where stronger controls are needed.