The Ministry of Education has uncovered at least 87,000 ‘ghost’ learners in public schools following an ongoing nationwide audit of Basic Education institutions—an anomaly that may have drained up to Sh1 billion in taxpayers’ money.
According to an Auditor-General’s report, falsified enrolment figures have cost the country more than Sh4 billion in capitation funds over four years.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba during the Kenya Primary School Heads Association Annual Delegates Conference in Mombasa on November 12 2025. Photo credit: Kevin Odit | Nation Media Group
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba confirmed that thousands of fictitious learners and non-existent schools had been flagged in the ongoing verification exercise, warning that those responsible will face sanctions.
“We have so far uncovered 87,000 ghost learners in public schools. The government will take action against individuals who inflated enrolment figures. Heads must roll,” said Mr Ogamba.
The CS, however, emphasised that the ministry does not intend to “condemn people falsely,” noting that schools with major discrepancies are being physically inspected before punitive action is taken.
Mr Ogamba said his ministry is still holding almost Sh1 billion that has not been released because the numbers do not
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