Senators have opened an investigation into the operations of international schools amid allegations of labour violations, regulatory breaches, and irregular expansion of institutions. The inquiry by the Senate Education Committee, seeks to establish whether some schools are exploiting legal loopholes, operating illegally, or enjoying political and diplomatic protection to evade scrutiny.
Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei said Kenya welcomes foreign investment in education but warned that no institution should be allowed to undermine national laws. He alleged that certain schools are hiring foreign nationals on tourist visas instead of securing Class D work permits, thereby locking out qualified Kenyan teachers.
Cherargei further claimed that some institutions are running from residential premises without zoning approvals, exposing learners to unsafe environments and violating planning regulations. He also raised concerns over financial misconduct, saying schools deduct statutory contributions such as NSSF, the Housing Levy, and Social Health Authority (SHA) payments from employees but fail to remit them to government agencies.
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“Academically, there are claims that some institutions have expanded into secondary education without approval from the Ministry of Education, falsified student assessments, and created hostile learning environments that have forced parents to withdraw their children,” Cherargei told senators.
The committee is expected to recommend reforms to strengthen oversight, regulate the establishment of international schools in residential areas, and ensure compliance with labour, immigration, and education laws. Legislators warned that the rapid growth of international schools has exposed major regulatory gaps.
Wajir Senator Abass Sheikh noted that some schools are being set up in unsuitable high-rise premises with limited space for play and emergency access, putting learners at risk. Nominated Senator Beatrice Ogola urged the committee to examine the social and ethical dimensions of international education, stressing that even foreign curricula must be supervised by the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development to align with national values.
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Bomet Senator Hillary Sigei linked the allegations to failures by regulatory agencies, saying oversight bodies must be held accountable if institutions are operating without licences or failing to remit statutory deductions. Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu termed the claims serious, insisting that all schools must comply with labour laws and be properly registered. He also expressed concern over the preference for foreign teachers despite high unemployment among Kenyan-trained educators.
The Senate Education Committee is expected to table its findings and recommendations in the coming weeks.
By Masaki Enock
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