Gov't uncovers over 800,000 ghost learners in schools audit: PS Bitok reveals

Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok has revealed that the government uncovered thousands of ghost learners in schools across the country following a nationwide verification exercise ordered by Parliament.

Bitok said an audit conducted by the Ministry of Education found about 87,000 non-existent students listed in secondary schools, while nearly 800,000 ghost learners were detected in primary schools.

“The audit aimed to confirm the exact number of learners and institutions receiving government capitation funds,” said PS Bitok.

“The findings have helped the government save billions of shillings that were previously lost through inflated enrolment figures.”

Bitok added that authorities have already taken disciplinary action against 30 school principals suspected of manipulating student data, noting that several education officers overseeing the affected regions have also faced sanctions as investigations continue.

The PS said learner verification will now become a continuous exercise to ensure that only genuine students benefit from public education funding and to strengthen accountability in the sector.

As part of efforts to streamline the education sector, Bitok also revealed that the government is introducing the Kenya Education Management Information System (KEMIS) to digitise education management across the country.

“KEMIS will go live within weeks, with schools expected to begin uploading learner information onto the platform as verification is conducted simultaneously to ensure accuracy,” he said.

According to Bitok, KEMIS will connect all schools, universities, and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions into one centralised system.

He added that the platform will also integrate records from the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC), including examination data and learner details.

Bitok explained that the digital platform will allow education officials to monitor school operations in real time and make faster decisions based on live data collected from institutions across the country.

“The system is expected to improve efficiency, eliminate duplication of records, and strengthen planning and accountability within the education sector,” he said.

Bitok noted that the platform will also support structured management of education data, real-time monitoring of schools, and the delivery of digital lessons in classrooms.

Under the new system, teachers will be able to conduct virtual lessons, while digital textbooks and other learning materials will be uploaded onto the platform to support technology-based learning.

To support the transition, the government is rolling out internet connectivity and solar power infrastructure in schools across the country, especially in areas facing electricity challenges.