Auditor-General Nancy Gathungu has exposed Starehe Boys’ Centre for charging illegal school fees of up to Sh300,000 and running an Sh8.3 million uniform supply cartel, raising serious concerns over financial governance at the prestigious public institution.In her latest audit report, Gathungu revealed that the national school breached Ministry of Education guidelines by charging fees far above the approved limit for public secondary schools. The findings indicate that parents were compelled to pay amounts that significantly exceeded the government cap, contrary to established regulations requiring schools to seek approval before implementing any fee increases.
The audit further uncovered irregularities in the procurement of school uniforms, with the Auditor-General flagging what was described as a uniform supply cartel valued at Sh8.3 million. According to the report, the arrangement restricted parents to specific suppliers, locking out competition and exposing families to inflated prices. Such practices violate public procurement laws, which require fairness, transparency, and value for money.“These practices point to weak financial controls and non-compliance with existing regulations,” the Auditor-General noted in the report, calling for urgent corrective action by relevant authorities.Public secondary schools are required to adhere strictly to the government-approved fee structure, with any additional charges subject to approval by the Ministry of Education following consultations with parents. The Auditor-General’s findings suggest that these procedures were either bypassed or ignored at Starehe Boys, exposing parents to unexpected and unlawful financial demands.
Parents and education stakeholders have reacted with concern, noting that the illegal fees place an unfair burden on families, particularly in the current economic climate. Some parents have called for refunds and greater accountability from the school’s management, while others have urged the Ministry of Education to intervene decisively to restore compliance.Education experts argue that while elite public schools often face high operational costs, this does not justify flouting fee regulations or engaging in procurement practices that disadvantage parents. They warn that such actions undermine public trust and contradict the principles of equity and access that underpin Kenya’s public education system.
The Auditor-General has recommended that the Ministry of Education and other oversight bodies review the school’s financial practices, recover any illegally charged fees, and take disciplinary action where necessary. The revelations have also renewed calls for stronger oversight of public schools to prevent misuse of authority and protect parents from exploitative practices.As pressure mounts, the Starehe Boys’ Centre case is expected to become a key test of accountability within Kenya’s education sector, with stakeholders watching closely for enforcement and reforms.
