Education Ministry Tightens Capitation Rules to Curb Ghost Schools

The Ministry of Education has tightened capitation funding rules after billions of shillings were lost to ghost learners and non-existent institutions. Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba said more than 50,000 ghost learners have been flagged, while over 29,000 schools have so far been verified.

Under the new rules, no school will receive funds unless it undergoes verification and confirms registration with the county education board, while also ensuring that a substantive principal has been appointed by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).

The ministry further announced that new schools applying for capitation will face stricter vetting. They must present Free Day Secondary Education (FDSE) application forms, valid registration certificates, and Board of Management (BoM) meeting minutes, as well as submit official bank account details. In addition, authentication letters from sub-county education offices containing Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) and Unique Identification Codes (UIC) will be required.

CS Ogamba explained that the reforms are meant to seal loopholes that have long enabled fraudulent claims, and he emphasized that the government is determined to ensure resources reach genuine learners.

The crackdown comes after an audit exposed schools that inflated enrolment numbers and others that did not exist at all, yet still received funds. Consequently, officials believe the new framework will enhance transparency and strengthen accountability in the management of education resources.