Education ministry officials face scrutiny over alleged mismanagement of classroom construction projects in primary and secondary schools, funded by a Sh6.7 billion World Bank grant.
A report by Auditor General Nancy Gathungu revealed concerns over value for money, citing poor workmanship, stalled projects, and unaccounted expenditures, including Sh60 million paid to consultants despite evidence of unsupervised works at project sites.
The audit highlighted incomplete or substandard facilities, with cracked floors, missing gas and water connections, and subpar furniture supplied to schools. Additionally, 267 projects in three counties remain stalled, while 30 classrooms, 40 laboratories, and other facilities valued at Sh573 million have yet to begin.
Auditors criticized the ministry for bypassing schools in payment approval processes and failing to enforce penalties or renew expired performance bonds, leaving the projects vulnerable to financial loss.
The findings come as the government faces pressure to prepare schools for the transition to Grade 9 and junior secondary levels. While most schools report readiness, significant gaps remain due to the delayed and flawed projects.
