Photo/FILE Education minister Sam Ongeri has challenged those calling for his resignation to await the outcome of a financial audit of the scandal instead of undermining him politically.
By BARNABAS BII bbii@ke.nationmedia.com
Posted Wednesday, June 29 2011 at 22:30
Posted Wednesday, June 29 2011 at 22:30
Education minister Sam Ongeri has said he will not commit political suicide by resigning over the theft of Sh4.2 billion from free primary education kitty.
“I cannot compromise corruption with my political responsibility by resigning as a minister,” said Prof Ongeri who absolved himself from any fraudulent dealings.
He challenged those calling for his resignation to await the outcome of a financial audit of the scandal instead of undermining him politically.
“Forensic audit is going on and those found to be behind the scandal will be made to carry their own cross,” said Prof Ongeri and reminded his critics that he only dealt with paper work and not cash.
School administrators and other education officials should be held responsible for any theft of Sh1.9 billion released during the June 2008 to June 28, 2011 period, he said, noting that appropriate rules were applied in releasing the cheques to banks.
He was speaking during Keiyo South Education day at Maria Soti Girls Education Centre.
The event was attended by among others Environment assistant minister Margaret Kamar, Keiyo South MP Jackson Kiptanui and former Cabinet minister Nicholas Biwott.
“The Sh2.27 billion for the programme was released between June 2005 and June 2008 reconciliation period when I was by then not a minister,” said Mr Ongeri.
He defended the free education plan noting the transition rate from primary to secondary had improved from 46.4 per cent to 72.5 per cent since the scheme was introduced almost 10 years ago.
He, however, said about 1.5 million children could not access free primary education due to factors ranging from financial constraints to lack of learning materials.
“About 200,000 children in arid and semi-arid areas are not benefiting from formal education,” he said.
Prof Ongeri said Sh1.2 million had been released to each constituency to support bright students from poor families.
Mr Biwott lamented the low enrolment of boys in schools in Keiyo South and called on leaders to shun tribalism in education matters.
Mr Kiptanui called on the government to allocate additional funds for bursary. Prof Kamar called for equal allocation of FPE funds to public and private schools.
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