Corruption Threatens Kenya’s Education Funding: The Case of Manyatta Secondary School.
Just 27 kilometers from the heart of Nairobi’s bustling city center lies Manyatta Secondary School, a grim representation of the disconnect between government funding and on-the-ground realities.
Established in 2019 to ease the burden of long commutes for students in the Ruai area, Manyatta serves around 250 learners.
However, its infrastructure highlights systemic failures in Kenya’s public education system, despite the allocation of significant funds from the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF).
Millions Allocated, Minimal Impact
In the 2021/22 financial year, Ksh.6.8 million was allocated for the construction of classrooms at Manyatta Secondary. Yet, only one block with four classrooms materialized, with one doubling as the administration block.
The rest of the students continue to study in makeshift iron-sheet structures that are noisy, poorly ventilated, and unsafe.
Parents, students, and local leaders are raising concerns about the mismanagement of public funds. David Karani, a human rights activist, emphasized the need for accountability. “Our taxes should benefit our children, not enrich corrupt individuals,” he said.
The poor conditions of the classrooms have had a dire impact on the students’ well-being. Temperatures in Ruai, ranging from 12°C at night to 24°C during the day, exacerbate the challenges. Students report dehydration, heat exhaustion, and in extreme cases, fainting during class.
Safety and Health at Risk
Beyond the dilapidated classrooms, Manyatta faces additional risks due to the lack of a proper boundary fence.
Pastoralists have intruded onto the school grounds, and a deputy principal was once hospitalized after being struck by a cow. While a wire fence is now being installed, it provides little relief for students and staff.
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In addition, the school struggles with access to clean water, spending over Ksh.6,500 weekly to purchase it.
Teachers and students alike suffer under these conditions, with one teacher describing the difficulty of working in a structure with no proper flooring or ventilation.
Mismanagement of NG-CDF Funds Sparks Debate
Manyatta’s struggles reflect a larger systemic issue with the NG-CDF. Over Ksh.740 million has been allocated to the Kasarani constituency since 2018, yet the deplorable state of Manyatta Secondary raises questions about transparency and accountability.
Community elder Simon Khalwale criticized the misuse of funds. “With the substantial allocations made, Manyatta should have safe, functional classrooms. Instead, we see financial mismanagement and potential illicit financial flows siphoning off resources meant for education,” he asserted.
The debate over the effectiveness of the NG-CDF has reached national forums. On July 8, 2024, Senator Paul Thangwa proposed redirecting NG-CDF funds directly to schools to eliminate middlemen and ensure efficient use.
“Why not take this money directly to schools and make high school education free of charge?” he asked in the Senate.
Community Voices Call for Change
Parents and students are vocal about the need for better infrastructure. One mother shared how her son walks six kilometers to Manyatta despite its poor conditions.
Others have opted to enroll their children in schools farther away, such as Ruai Boys and Girls Secondary or Drum Vale Secondary, in search of better facilities.
Meanwhile, local leaders like MCA James Kariuki have come under fire for failing to address the school’s issues.
“We need leaders who prioritize education and ensure resources are utilized effectively,” Khalwale stated.
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A Call for Reform
As calls to reform the NG-CDF intensify, the need for transparency and accountability in the management of public funds has become urgent.
Manyatta’s plight serves as a stark reminder of how corruption undermines Kenya’s education system, jeopardizing the future of its youth.
While Parliament debates the future of the NG-CDF, communities like Manyatta continue to demand answers. For these students and their families, education is not just a right—it is a lifeline that must not be squandered.
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