The public have been invited to submit their views on the Basic Education (Amendment) Bill, 2025) which aim to formally recognize Alternative Provision for Basic Education and Training (APBET) schools, which have long served learners in informal settlements and marginalized areas but remain excluded from legal and financial support.
Through a notice published in one of the dailies on July 11, 2025, the Clerk of the National Assembly invited members of the public to submit memoranda on the Basic Education (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (National Assembly Bill No. 3 of 2025).
The deadline for submissions is Friday, July 25, 2025. Contributions may be delivered physically to Parliament Buildings in Nairobi or emailed to clerk@parliament.go.ke.
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This comes after the members of parliament, during a stakeholder consultations chaired by Vice Chair Eve Obara, representatives from the Unified APBET Schools Association and the Complementary Schools Association shared the systemic challenges facing their institutions.
Some of the challenges they raise include lack of registration, infrastructure funding, teacher support, and access to public examinations.
The Bill’s sponsor, Anthony Oluoch, MP Mathare, stated that the intention is to legally anchor an existing policy framework and ensure nationwide recognition, mapping, and support for APBET institutions.
In his constituency alone, he noted that over 56,000 students rely on informal schools due to land limitations and lack of public school infrastructure.
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Under the proposed amendments, APBET institutions, ranging from community centres to adult education programs, would be formally defined under the Basic Education Act, enabling them to receive capitation grants, teacher support, and curriculum oversight. The Bill also outlines plans to create a national database of registered APBET schools.
While many MPs expressed firm support, Jerusha Momanyi raised concerns about financial oversight and accountability, especially as these institutions may begin receiving taxpayer funds.
According to Ministry of Education data, over 2.3 million learners drawn from primary, secondary, and adult education, are currently excluded from formal schooling systems. The Committee affirmed that the Bill aligns with national goals to ensure inclusive, equitable education for all Kenyan learners.
By Masaki Enock
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