Church body calls for regulation on religious-affiliated colleges

The Association of Pentecostal Vocational Training Institutions of Kenya (APVOTIK) has called for the regulation on religious-affiliated colleges, saying that the move will draw a clear-dividing line between sacred and secular training institutions.

Leading this call, the APVOTIK Chairman Rev. Josiah Njiru recently raised concern over the proliferation of theological colleges which operate without episcopal oversight, calling for the endorsement of regulation.

The cleric made the call while appearing before the Public Petitions Committee chaired Runyenjes Member of Parliament Eric Karemba.

While before the committee, Njiru noted that the growth of the Bible schools, colleges and online ministry platforms has rapidly increased access to theological education, but at the same time created challenges.

“Such challenges include lack of standardised curriculum, questionable accreditation of colleges and, doctrinal confusion accompanied with pastoral unpreparedness.”

Drawing a line between sacred and secular training learning institutions, Rev Njiru, noted that the existing statutes in institutions like TVET Act, Universities act, and Kenyan National Qualifications Framework act focus on secular without addressing the unique nature of sacred training.

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He called upon the law makers to come up with the bill that will guide and standardize spiritual academic in order to preserve doctrinal integrity.

APVOTIK further urged the National Assembly to act with speed and enact legislation establishing a council standardizing theological colleges’ curriculum and monitor their activities.

Njiru cited of doctrinal abuse, pastoral incompetence and exploitation due to lack of regulation emerging from unapproved books and lecturers.

“It’s a national moral imperative to protect and safeguard faith, dignify ministry to improve Kenyans spiritual foundation for the present and future generations embracing sacred academic learning.” He said

By OchiengD Ndiewo