- The directive follows growing concern over the mushrooming of theology colleges operating outside the country’s legal education framework
- Institutions that fail to regularise their registration, accreditation and operational status within the three-month window will face closure and other legal consequences
- Parliament has tasked the Ministry of Education with overseeing the regularisation exercise and compliance with academic and operational standards
Parliament has launched a sweeping crackdown on theology training institutions across the country, giving them 90 days to comply with Ministry of Education regulations or risk closure, in a move aimed at restoring credibility, accountability and quality in religious education.
The directive follows growing concern over the mushrooming of theology colleges operating outside the country’s legal education framework, with some institutions reportedly offering programmes that have never been approved by the relevant authorities.
It was issued after the National Assembly’s Committee on Public Petitions concluded its review of a petition raising widespread concerns about the regulation of theological education in Kenya. The committee warned that institutions that fail to regularise their registration, accreditation and operational status within the three-month window will face closure and other legal consequences.
The petition that triggered the review was presented by Reverend Josiah Njiru, Chairman of the Association of Pentecostal Vocational Training Institutions of Kenya, who urged lawmakers to intervene against what he described as the growing proliferation of institutions offering questionable theological training and curricula.
According to the committee, weak regulation has allowed some institutions to operate without meeting the minimum standards set by the Ministry of Education, raising concerns over the quality and recognition of qualifications awarded to thousands of learners pursuing religious studies nationwide.
Members of Parliament acknowledged that faith-based institutions play a critical role in nurturing spiritual leaders and supporting national values, but insisted they must operate within the law and uphold nationally recognised academic standards. Legislators stressed that the push for compliance is not intended to interfere with religious freedom, but rather to protect students from enrolling in institutions that may lack qualified lecturers, approved curricula, adequate learning facilities or proper governance structures.
Lawmakers argued that every learner deserves access to quality education backed by credible credentials, recognised and capable of opening doors to further studies and employment.
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To enforce the directive, Parliament has tasked the Ministry of Education with overseeing the regularisation exercise, directing it to verify the registration status of theology institutions, assess their compliance with academic and operational standards, and take enforcement action against any college that fails to meet the requirements within the 90-day deadline.
Lawmakers further called for stronger inspection and monitoring mechanisms going forward, to prevent the emergence of unregistered colleges and shield unsuspecting students from institutions operating illegally.
Education experts say the intervention could significantly improve the quality and integrity of theological education by compelling institutions to adhere to nationally accepted standards, while also enhancing public confidence in faith-based training, strengthening governance within the sector and ensuring graduates receive qualifications that are widely recognised. Stakeholders believe the exercise will additionally promote transparency, accountability and professionalism among institutions involved in training religious leaders.
The directive marks one of the strongest parliamentary interventions yet in the regulation of theological education in Kenya. With the 90-day countdown now underway, theology colleges across the country face mounting pressure to align with Ministry of Education requirements or risk being shut down, a development that signals a renewed commitment to protecting the integrity of theological education for students, parents and religious organisations alike.
By Hillary Muhalya
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