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Ex-LSK boss Faith Odhiambo has called on the National Assembly to fast-track the Basic Education (Amendment) Bill, 2025, saying continued delays are denying learners in informal settlements access to equitable and quality education.
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She noted that thousands of children learning in makeshift classrooms across Nairobi’s informal settlements remain locked out of full government support as a bill meant to recognize their schools gathers dust in a parliamentary committee.
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The bill seeks to formally recognize Alternative Provision of Basic Education and Training (APBET) schools as part of Kenya’s basic education system.
Former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo has called on the National Assembly to fast-track the Basic Education (Amendment) Bill, 2025, saying continued delays are denying learners in informal settlements access to equitable and quality education.
Speaking on the matter, Odhiambo noted that thousands of children learning in makeshift classrooms across Nairobi’s informal settlements remain locked out of full government support as a bill meant to recognize their schools gathers dust in a parliamentary committee.
The bill seeks to formally recognize Alternative Provision of Basic Education and Training (APBET) schools as part of Kenya’s basic education system. It has remained at the committee stage for months without progress, leaving many low cost, community run schools operating without full legal recognition.
Odhiambo made the remarks after visiting Waruku Primary and Excelite School in Waruku, Kileleshwa Ward, alongside Nairobi City County Assembly Education Committee Chairperson Perpetua Mponjiwa.
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She said the visit highlighted the critical role APBET schools continue to play in educating children from underserved communities, noting that these institutions keep serving learners even as they grapple with poor facilities, insufficient textbooks and constant funding shortfalls.
Odhiambo said the bill has stalled at committee level for months and urged the National Assembly to prioritize its passage, arguing that doing so is in the best interests of Kenyan children.
She argued that the lack of formal recognition and government support has created a significant policy gap that continues to disadvantage children living in informal settlements.
APBET schools provide affordable, non-formal and complementary education, particularly in informal settlements where access to public schools is often limited by overcrowding, distance or inadequate infrastructure.
Odhiambo maintained that passing the bill would give these institutions the legal recognition needed to improve standards, attract greater support and strengthen access to quality education for vulnerable learners.
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Her sentiments were echoed by Mponjiwa who said, education remain one of the most valuable tools for transforming children’s lives.
“Education is one of the greatest gifts we can invest in. I hope these books will inspire learning, increase curiosity and shape brighter futures for the pupils. As it’s often said, a book shared is a step towards empowering the next generation,” she said.
The renewed push comes as education stakeholders continue to advocate for stronger legal and financial support for APBET schools, arguing that formal recognition would help bridge educational inequalities and ensure that children in informal settlements are not left behind.
By Benedict Aoya
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