Suba South MP Caroli Omondi has called on the government to adopt biometric registration for all students in Kenya, arguing that it is the most effective way to eliminate the long-standing issue of ghost learners and ensure accountability in the education sector.

Speaking to the press on Monday, July 28, 2025, the legislator criticized the government's inaction despite repeated audit reports flagging the existence of fictitious learners and schools.

He proposed the use of Biometric Voter Registration (BVR) kits currently held by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) as a cost-effective solution to the problem.

“We have biometric kits used just once during voter registration. Why can’t we use them to register students and build a credible database of our learners? That way, you can’t lie to us,” Omondi said.

He lamented the lack of prosecutions or disciplinary action despite the Auditor General repeatedly exposing inflated school enrolment data and nonexistent institutions.

“This isn’t the first time ghost learners have been reported. But show me one person who has been prosecuted for running a ghost school,” he added.

Omondi warned that continued failure to address the issue was now being weaponized to undermine the right to free basic education in Kenya.

“We can’t let incompetence and fraud be the reason we tell poor children we can’t afford free primary education. It’s either we get serious or stop deceiving Kenyans," said the lawmaker.

His comments come amid growing concern over misallocation of funds in public schools based on inflated enrolment figures. There have been credible reports suggesting that millions of shillings meant to support learning are being siphoned off through non-existent students.

At the same time, anxiety is mounting over the government’s reported plans to review or possibly scrap the free primary and secondary education programme an initiative that has supported millions of learners from underprivileged backgrounds since its introduction in 2002.

Omondi’s proposal adds to a growing chorus of voices urging education sector reforms to plug loopholes and restore integrity in the management of public resources.