- Senator Kibwana calls for scrutiny of QVSE operations
- Questions emerge over learning gaps highlighted by PISA
- Senate committees asked to examine safeguards and education measures
Nominated Senator Hamida Kibwana has called for investigations into the operations of Quant Vest Stock Exchange (QVSE) and urgent measures to address learning gaps exposed by Kenya’s participation in the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA).
Speaking in the Senate on Thursday, Senator Kibwana asked the Standing Committee on Finance and Budget to establish the number of Kenyans affected by QVSE and the amount of money allegedly solicited from members of the public.
The Senator said the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) had, on September 12, cautioned the public against QVSE and 14 other entities over alleged unlawful operations and solicitation of funds.
She said some Kenyans who deposited money with QVSE on the promise of regular returns from online trading had reportedly encountered difficulties accessing their funds, with some allegedly being asked to make additional deposits.
Senator Kibwana wants the committee to establish the extent of the alleged losses and explain measures being taken to safeguard and recover funds belonging to affected investors.
She also wants the CMA, Directorate of Criminal Investigations and other agencies to explain their investigations into the platform, including efforts to identify and hold accountable those found responsible for unlawful activities.
Additionally, the committee is expected to explain how the alleged operations went undetected and recommend measures to strengthen surveillance, enforcement and public awareness on licensed investment providers.
Senator Kibwana also raised concern over Kenya’s performance in the 2025 PISA assessment, calling for a detailed analysis of the learning gaps identified among Kenyan learners.
READ ALSO:
Kiambu Senator warns new tertiary funding law could leave poor students with heavier debts
Kenya participated in PISA for the first time in 2025, with the assessment covering science, mathematics, reading and computational problem-solving among 15-year-old learners.
The OECD reported that Kenyan learners scored below the OECD average in mathematics, reading and science, as well as in computational problem-solving.
Kibwana wants the Senate Education Committee to identify the subjects and competencies where the largest gaps were recorded and establish the factors contributing to the outcomes.
Furthermore, she wants the committee to detail measures being implemented by the Ministry of Education, Teachers Service Commission, Kenya National Examinations Council and other agencies to address learning gaps, particularly in foundational skills and underserved counties.
The committee is also expected to examine whether funding, teachers, learning materials and other resources for ECDE, basic education and vocational training are adequate and equitably distributed across the country.
Ultimately, Kibwana wants the government to develop a time-bound recovery plan with measurable targets aimed at improving learning outcomes and Kenya’s performance in future international assessments.
By Kithinji Njeru
Get more stories from our website: Education News
To write to us or offer feedback, you can reach us at: editor@educationnews.co.ke
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
