Kwale: Members of the public in Kwale County have presented views and proposals on six education Bills currently before Parliament during a public participation forum held at the Cultural Centre in Matuga Sub-County. The forum, chaired by Kabondo Kasipul MP Eve Obara, provided an opportunity for parents, teachers, learners, and other stakeholders to raise concerns about the proposed legislation before the Bills are considered for enactment.
According to Kenya News Agency, the six Bills under discussion include the Tertiary Education Placement and Funding Bill, Basic Education Bill, Kenya National Education Assessment Council Bill, Pre-Service Education Assessment Council Bill, Kenya National Qualifications Framework Bill, and Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development Bill. Obara stated that public participation was crucial for Parliament to hear directly from Kenyans who would be affected by the proposed laws. She emphasized that engaging the public is an essential part of the legislative process and helps in gathering diverse views from various stakeholders in the education sector.
Participants at the forum raised several issues, including strengthening the authority of school heads in matters of discipline and administration. There were calls for clarity on handling cases involving violence by learners or teachers. Some attendees suggested the reintroduction of corporal punishment, citing incidents of learners assaulting teachers and the need for clear measures to address violence in schools.
James Odhiambo, a Junior School teacher, proposed that Junior Secondary Schools should have independent leadership and administration instead of being managed alongside primary schools. Concerns were also expressed regarding equity and transparency in tertiary education funding and placements, with participants urging the government to ensure resources reach beneficiaries and are not overly centralized.
Kwale High School Chief Principal, Michael Mutua, highlighted the issue of overcrowding in national schools, noting that his institution admitted about 950 Grade 10 learners in 2026 despite having limited facilities. He pointed out that some schools in the region had low enrolment and called for a review of the placement formula to ensure a more equitable distribution of learners and resources. Mutua added that overcrowding puts pressure on existing facilities and affects the ability of schools to provide an appropriate learning environment.
Stakeholders urged Parliament to consider practical challenges faced by schools, teachers, and learners, emphasizing that the proposed reforms should enhance access, accountability, and quality of education across the country without disadvantaging any region. Obara and members of the committee assured participants that their views and proposals would be compiled and presented to the National Assembly for consideration before the Bills are enacted into law.
