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The lack of a unified financing framework has led to concerns about duplication of support, inefficiencies and accountability gaps.
The Ministry of Education has ordered nationwide inspections of all boarding schools after the Utumishi Girls Academy dormitory fire in Gilgil killed 16 students and injured dozens. Inspections begin June 2 and run for 10 days.
She described how the situation turned even more dangerous as students faced limited escape options, leading to desperate jumps from upper floors in an effort to survive.
Each incident follows a familiar pattern; emergency response, investigations, official statements, and promises of reform before attention fades and the same weaknesses remain.
The directive comes against a backdrop of repeated unrest in schools, with incidents of student strikes, destruction of property, arson attacks and sudden closures disrupting learning in several counties.
For the FY2024/2025 period, the ministry received about Sh628.6 billion, while the FY2025/2026 proposal has risen to about Sh656.6 billion, reflecting increased spending across key education programmes.
Ruto said the government was determined to seal loopholes that had allowed misuse of education funds for years.
The Auditor General’s report for the year ended June 30, 2025, details how unknown private parties moved into the university’s land in Njoro and planted maize and wheat without a valid agreement, before later failing to comply with a profit-sharing understanding, resulting in a loss of Sh24,189,987 for the institution.
KNUT Deputy SG Hesbon Otieno Agola says delayed capitation and unpaid balances are leaving public schools with accumulating supplier debts. He argues new allocations often clear arrears rather than fund learning activities.
During a session held at Bunge Tower on Thursday, the committee, chaired by Julius Murgor, heard that despite significant progress in verifying pension records, retirees have yet to receive payments due to failure by the government to release promised funds.
The disputed document, which has been widely shared online, was designed to resemble an official press statement from the Ministry of Education. It purported to address payment delays affecting supervisors, invigilators, security officers and other contracted professionals engaged in the administration and marking of national examinations.
Applicants for the chairperson role must hold a PhD from a recognised university, while those seeking council membership must have at least a master’s degree.