Makueni: The National Assembly Education Committee recently conducted a public participation forum in Makueni County to solicit input from stakeholders on six proposed Education Bills. This initiative aimed to integrate public opinion into legislative processes, ensuring that the educational framework aligns with community needs and expectations.
According to Kenya News Agency, stakeholders emphasized the necessity for the timely disbursement of capitation funds, which are crucial for schools to manage debts and maintain smooth operations. During the discussions held at the Wote Technical Training Institute in Wote town, Makueni Sub-County, varied opinions emerged about the proposed structuring of Junior Secondary School (JSS). While some advocated for JSS to be fully autonomous with distinct structures, others suggested merging Junior and Senior Secondary levels.
Salome Maundu, representing the Kenya Secondary School Heads Association (KESHA), stressed the importance of collaboration between the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Finance to ensure prompt funding, which is vital for the uninterrupted functioning of educational institutions.
The six pieces of legislation under discussion include the Basic Education Bill, 2026; Tertiary Education, Placement and Funding Bill, 2026; and the Kenya National Education Assessments Council Bill, 2026. Additionally, the Pre-service Education and In-Service Training Bill, 2026; Kenya National Qualifications Framework (Amendment) Bill, 2026; and Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (Amendment) Bill, 2026 were examined.
Chaired by Kitutu Masaba Member of Parliament Clive Ombane Gisairo, with Siaya County Woman Representative Christine Ombaka and Ministry of Education officials in attendance, the meeting also addressed teacher qualification standards. Stakeholders recommended maintaining a mean grade of C (plain) in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) as the minimum qualification for primary school teachers entering training colleges.
Participants highlighted the need for adequate infrastructure and learning facilities in schools. They proposed the creation of legally anchored sub-county education boards and suggested that the Centre for Mathematics, Science and Technology Education in Africa (CEMASTEA) be legally recognized as the national body for in-service teacher training.
Furthermore, stakeholders called for extending the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) loan repayment period from one year to between two and three years, citing the difficulty many graduates face in securing employment within a year. They also advocated for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions to have representation in the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) and HELB, with an inclusive higher education funding model for self-sponsored students.
Gisairo expressed gratitude to the public, education professionals, and organizations that participated in the forum and contributed their perspectives on the proposed bills. Among the organizations represented were the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT), Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), KESHA, Kenya Primary School Heads Association (KEPSHA), private schools, and religious organizations. Additionally, Mwaani Girls High School Chief Principal Elizabeth Mutinda was among those who provided valuable input.
