Serious concerns have emerged about the accuracy of Kenya’s basic education data after a nationwide verification exercise uncovered major inconsistencies.
The audit revealed that thousands of learners recorded in official systems do not exist in any physical school.
The national verification exercise took place between September and October 2025 across all counties. Officials reviewed enrollment records, school registration status, and on-the-ground attendance data.
The results showed that about 87,000 learners listed in government databases could not be traced to any institution. They were classified as “ghost” learners in the audit report.
The audit also identified 26 public schools that were listed as active but were not operating. These included 16 primary schools and 10 secondary schools.
Despite remaining in official records for years, these institutions had no active learners or functional learning activities.
Several affected primary schools were named across multiple counties. They include Bisanavi and Eldara in Isiolo County, and Ngechu in Murang’a County. Kisauni Baptist in Mombasa also appeared on the non-operational list. Others include Acheimen and Musebet in Kericho County, and Masalale North in Wajir County.
More flagged primary schools include Kambi Otha in Isiolo, Manooni and Soma in Kitui, and Kambi Samaki in Garissa. Toboiyat in Nandi and Mbaru Primary in West Pokot were also listed. Unyeeo Primary in Makueni County and Nyagakiru Primary in Chuka were similarly marked non-operational.
Ten secondary schools were also flagged during the verification process. These include Ngamba Secondary in Murang’a and Kira Secondary in Nyandarua. Ragia Forest Secondary in Kiambu and Dr Mashenge Moheto in Migori were listed. Maji Mazuri Mixed Secondary in Baringo also appeared in the report.
Other affected secondary schools include Mugwandi Secondary in Kirinyaga and France Bulovi Secondary in Kakamega. Kara Secondary, Father Lia’s Temple Secondary, and Loita Secondary were also identified. Auditors reported that these schools showed no verifiable learning activity during inspections.
The report linked most closures to insecurity, low enrollment, and unresolved community disputes. Some areas experienced prolonged instability that disrupted learning operations for extended periods. In other cases, learner numbers dropped far below sustainable levels over several years.
Education officials stated that some of these institutions may face permanent closure after further review. Schools deemed unviable will likely be removed from official records and funding lists. Authorities say decisions will depend on security, enrollment trends, and community readiness.
The audit also exposed funding irregularities tied to enrollment thresholds. Schools with fewer than ten learners reportedly continued receiving government funds. This practice violated minimum enrollment requirements set under current education funding guidelines.
These findings point to weaknesses in data validation and monitoring systems. Inflated enrollment figures can distort budget allocations and policy decisions. The ministry is now under pressure to clean up records and tighten verification controls..
