Parents will now have a more defined and influential role in the management and success of Senior Schools under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), according to new guidelines released by the Ministry of Education.
The Guidelines for Implementation of Senior School Education (October 2025) position Parents Associations (PAs) as central to strengthening accountability, learner welfare, and community participation in the CBC era.
Each Senior School, the document directs, must establish a Parents Association (PA) in line with the Basic Education Act (2013).
The associations will work alongside school boards to support the implementation of CBC reforms, promote discipline, and mobilise resources.
“Each Senior School shall establish a Parents Association (PA) in accordance with the Third Schedule and Section 55(3) of the Basic Education Act (2013),” the guidelines state.
PAs will be important in coordinating parental involvement in school governance, communication, advocacy, and curriculum support.
The head of each school will serve as the association’s secretary, ensuring smooth collaboration between parents and the institution’s leadership.
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“The Parents Association shall be instrumental in coordinating parental involvement in school governance, mobilising resources, addressing students’ welfare and discipline, communication, advocacy, and supporting curriculum delivery,” the document notes.
The Ministry emphasises that parents are not passive stakeholders but co-partners in shaping learners’ success. They are expected to engage more actively in mentorship, discipline, and continuous learner support.
“Parents have a shared responsibility with learning institutions to provide a conducive learning environment that motivates all learners to achieve their full potential,” the guidelines highlight.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba commended the renewed emphasis on parental participation, describing it as vital for bridging the gap between home and school.
“The successful implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum depends on how well parents understand their role as educators at home. Their participation is crucial in nurturing values, discipline, and lifelong learning,” he said during the release of the guidelines
Principal Secretary Amb. (Prof.) Julius Bitok underscored that parental inclusion will enhance school accountability and transparency in decision-making.
He asked PAs to align their efforts with the government’s commitment to equitable education and child protection.
Beyond governance, PAs will also play an advisory role in school budgeting and strategic planning, working closely with Boards of Management (BoMs) to identify development priorities and promote sustainable resource use.
The guidelines recommend that schools organise sensitisation programmes to educate parents on their expanded roles, particularly in supporting CBC assessments and career pathway selection for their children. This is expected to foster a stronger home-school partnership.
In his remarks, Director General Dr Elyas Abdi expressed appreciation to education stakeholders for incorporating family engagement into the new framework.
“The Ministry of Education appreciates the entire team whose dedication and hard work have culminated in the successful development of these guidelines,” Dr Abdi said.
By Joseph Mambili
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