Why private schools are registering ghost KCPE, KCSE candidates
The Ministry of Education has exposed schools registering ghost candidates for the national examination.
The ministry found out that though both private and public schools engage in the practice, it is the private schools that lead with the highest cases.
Speaking during a meeting with Private schools directors and managers on Friday, October 22, Nairobi Regional Director of Education, Jared Obiero revealed that schools that mostly register ghost candidates are those with fewer candidates.
“These schools, most of which are in Kamukunji and Eastleigh, are leading in registering ghost candidates to circumvent the government's directive on the number of candidates required," Obiero said.
Obiero said that the schools engaged in the malpractice after the Ministry of Education asked schools with less than 30 candidates to merge and form examination centers.
“You have 15 learners and you deliberately added another 15 who are not going to do exams because you wanted to maintain your examination centre," Obiero explained.
The regional education officer has, therefore, directed Sub County Education Directors to immediately begin investigations on the matters and file a report with the ministry.
He asked the officers to conduct fiscal and physical audits of the schools' nominal rolls as well as inspect the learners' registration details issued by the institutions.
Obiero said that schools found practicing the irregularity will be penalized accusing them of defrauding the government and wasting public resources.
“This is already an examination irregularity. If we find you culpable, we will write to KNEC to take action,” he added.
Private schools through their umbrella body, Kenya Private Schools Association, have refuted Obiero's allegations claiming that they are unsubstantiated.
