Major stakeholders in Kenya's education sector have expressed concerns over seven proposed education reforms spearheaded by President William Ruto. The reforms aim to change the management of schools, teacher training, student funding, and university and technical institution appointments. These proposals are currently in the public comment stage via the National Assembly's Education Committee. Various education stakeholders, including teacher unions, parents, and private school owners, have submitted their recommendations.
The University Academic Staff Union (UASU) has significant concerns about the proposed higher education funding law. UASU wants the law to protect students currently receiving loans and funding while ensuring the rights of university workers. The union also requests that the government assess the costs of implementing the new system before its rollout. According to UASU, the bill prioritizes student funding while overlooking university operational costs and lecturer salaries.
UASU also objects to the requirement that graduates begin repaying loans within a year of completing their studies. The union suggests that repayment should only start after a graduate secures a steady, well-paying job. Additionally, UASU seeks representation on the boards of the Higher Education Funding Authority and the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS).
The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) also rejects the one-year loan repayment timeframe, citing the competitive job market. KUPPET proposes that funding sources be transparent and limited to 2.5% of annual tax revenues collected by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA). The union advocates for government funding through grants, scholarships, and loans based on students' needs.
The Kenya Union of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (KUTVET) argues that the proposed system fails to account for varying course costs. KUTVET notes that courses like automotive engineering, welding, electrical work, and construction require practical training equipment that cannot be funded at the same level as classroom-based courses. The union suggests that funds should also be used to purchase machinery, safety equipment, modern technology, and support industrial training.
The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) opposes a proposal that would bar teachers from engaging in other income-generating activities while serving in the Teachers Service Commission (TSC). KNUT believes the TSC should not regulate teachers' activities outside regular working hours. Meanwhile, the Private Schools Association of Kenya wants the law to recognize independent primary schools and allow private school students equal access to government-funded scholarships and subsidies.
The National Parents' Association wants parents to have a greater role in education decision-making through education law reforms. Stakeholders are calling for their concerns to be addressed before the bills proceed to the next stage. The parliamentary committee is expected to conclude its public comment collection process by next Thursday, having already heard from the TSC and the Board of Governors.
Key points
- Education stakeholders in Kenya oppose proposed reforms by President William Ruto.
- Stakeholders cite concerns over potential negative impacts on students and teachers.
- The proposed reforms aim to change the management of schools, teacher training, student funding, and university appointments.
