The National Assembly Departmental Committee on Education has raised concerns over a proposal to create a third category of schools, as lawmakers examine seven proposed Education Sector Bills aimed at reforming the sector.
The committee, chaired by Tinderet MP Julius Melly, has completed the first phase of stakeholder engagement after receiving submissions from education institutions, unions and sector agencies. The proposals cover school governance, student financing and the mandates of institutions.
A proposal by representatives of Starehe Boys' and Girls' Centre to establish a framework for chartered schools drew debate among committee members. Under the proposal, such schools would receive government support while keeping a distinct institutional status.
Lawmakers questioned the need for a new category of schools, citing concerns over accountability, school fees, governance and admission procedures.
"Do you want to continue charging fees although the Constitution says it's free?" asked MP Abdul Haro, challenging the institution to explain how the proposal would comply with the constitutional provision on free basic education.
MP Joseph Makilap proposed that charitable institutions be accommodated within the existing public-school framework instead of creating a separate category.
MP Taitum also raised concerns over reports that students had been denied certificates by the institution, prompting further questions about its administrative practices.
In response, the Director of Starehe Boys' Centre said the proposed framework would be open to any school meeting the stipulated requirements and would not be exclusive to the institution. He acknowledged that the school had gone through a turbulent period in the past, but said it complied with government procedures.
The committee also considered proposals to amend the Tertiary Education, Placement and Funding Bill, 2026, to strengthen financial support for university and college students, particularly those from vulnerable backgrounds.
MP John Kaguchia called for expanded scholarship opportunities, caps on interest rates on student loans and a repayment system linked to graduates' earnings instead of fixed deadlines. He also proposed safeguards for unemployed graduates, continuing students and borrowers facing incapacity, as well as stronger parliamentary oversight of borrowing by the Tertiary Education Financing Authority (TEFA).
The Universities Fund proposed a dedicated scholarship component for needy students. Committee members questioned the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) over programme costs and the criteria used to allocate student financing. HELB chief executive Geoffrey Monari said high-performing students would benefit from scholarships, reducing their dependence on loans.
The hearings also examined proposals to reorganise education institutions and clarify their mandates to improve service delivery and remove duplication.
Proposals included transitioning the Kenya Education Management Institute (KEMI) into the school envisaged under the Pre-Service Education and In-Service Training Bill, 2026. The Centre for Mathematics, Science and Technology Education in Africa (CEMASTEA) recommended harmonising the proposed teacher-training framework with the mandates of existing institutions.
The School Equipment Production Unit proposed transforming into a School Learning Materials Centre with a broader mandate. The National Council for Nomadic Education in Kenya called for a dedicated school meals and nutrition fund, as well as a clearer legal framework for Alternative Provision of Basic Education and Training.
Other bodies that made submissions included the Kenya National Qualifications Authority, the Commission for University Education, the Kenya Booksellers Association and the National Council for Persons with Disabilities.
The submissions are expected to inform the committee's review and recommendations on the seven Bills before they go to Parliament.
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