The Senate Education Committee has retreated to deliberate on the Basic Education Amendment Bill, 2023, which proposes the creation of Sub‑County Education Boards to decentralize oversight of the education sector.
The committee, chaired by Senator Betty Montet, is currently compiling a report based on submissions received from stakeholders across the country.
The retreat comes after weeks of consultations with education actors, including the Usawa Agenda, the Council of Governors, Elimu Yetu Coalition, the Kenya Institute for Special Education, the Teachers Service Commission, and the National Parents Association. Their memoranda are being reviewed to inform the committee’s recommendations before the Bill is tabled in the Senate.
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The proposed legislation seeks to amend the Basic Education Act by establishing Sub‑County Education Boards tasked with managing education data, assessing school budgets, and overseeing infrastructure funding. The boards are expected to strengthen coordination between national and county governments while ensuring localized oversight of education and training institutions.
Under the Bill, each sub‑county will have a board responsible for maintaining a comprehensive data bank of all schools and training centers within its jurisdiction. The boards will also evaluate budgetary needs at the sub‑county level, including allocations for school infrastructure and lunch programs, while working closely with school boards of management, principals, and headteachers to enhance governance.
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Membership of the Sub‑County Education Boards will include a chairperson and six members appointed by the Cabinet Secretary for Education. Members will serve five‑year terms, renewable once, and will be required to meet no more than four times per financial year. The Member of Parliament for each constituency within the sub‑county will sit as an ex officio member.
Following the retreat, the committee is expected to adopt the report and table it in the Senate.
By Obegi Malack
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