Education stakeholders in Kenya are pushing for major changes to the 2026 Education Bill, including increased parental involvement, a more defined education structure, and the government taking full responsibility for funding primary education. The proposed bill aims to replace existing laws on primary education and covers aspects such as school management, funding, student welfare, teacher welfare, and education data. Stakeholders argue that the current system leaves too much room for interpretation and potential changes by future governments.
The Education Bill proposes a 2-6-3-3 education structure, which includes two years of preschool, six years of primary education, three years of junior secondary education, and three years of senior secondary education. Stakeholders believe that codifying this structure into law will prevent future governments from making changes without new legislation. Additionally, they recommend establishing clear criteria for tracking students into different high school streams, taking into account factors such as academic performance, interests, and abilities.
The stakeholders also suggest that the government should bear the full cost of primary education, including infrastructure, teaching materials, food, sanitation, and accommodations for students with disabilities. They argue that allowing schools to charge "extra fees" could be used to reintroduce school fees under a different name. Furthermore, the stakeholders propose that parents be given more authority and that the current Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) system be reformed and renamed to Parents Associations.
The Education Stakeholders Association of Kenya (ESAK) recommends that it be allowed to appoint a representative to each of the 47 County Education Boards. ESAK argues that many education stakeholders are currently excluded from these boards despite their significant contributions to primary education management. The National Parents Association (NPA) also seeks recognition and the authority to own property, employ staff, manage accounts, and sue or be sued in its own name.
In terms of higher education, the stakeholders propose that the government provide full funding for students, including tuition, accommodation, food, equipment, transportation, healthcare, and research. They also recommend that loans, grants, and scholarships be clearly distinguished and that students continue to receive funding until they complete their studies. The stakeholders believe that this will help to ensure that students from disadvantaged backgrounds have equal access to education.
The Education Bill has been met with mixed reactions from various stakeholders, with some expressing concerns about the potential impact on the education system. However, the stakeholders believe that the proposed changes will help to improve the quality of education in Kenya and ensure that all students have access to quality education. The bill is expected to be debated in parliament in the coming weeks.
The proposed changes to the Education Bill are seen as a significant step towards improving the education system in Kenya. The stakeholders believe that the changes will help to address some of the current challenges facing the education sector, including inadequate funding, poor infrastructure, and a lack of resources. The government has promised to consider the stakeholders' proposals and to work towards implementing the changes.
Key points
- The stakeholders propose a 2-6-3-3 education structure to be codified into law.
- The government should bear the full cost of primary education, including infrastructure and accommodations for students with disabilities.
- The stakeholders recommend that parents be given more authority and that the current Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) system be reformed.
