Education stakeholders in Trans Nzoia have called for clear accountability mechanisms and future-ready laws as Parliament considers six bills to overhaul the education sector.
The calls were made during a public participation forum convened by the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Education at Kitale National Polytechnic.
The forum drew stakeholders from Trans Nzoia, West Pokot, and Bungoma counties.
Committee Chairperson Julius Melly (Tinderet MP) said the six bills are consequential and will determine how education is run, funded, and assessed from basic to tertiary level.
The Bills are the Tertiary Education, Placement and Funding Bill, 2026; Basic Education Bill, 2026; Kenya National Educational Assessments Council Bill, 2026; Pre-Service Education and In-Service Training Bill, 2026; Kenya National Qualifications Framework (Amendment) Bill, 2026; and Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (Amendment) Bill, 2026.
Melly said the Tertiary Education, Placement and Funding Bill proposes a new funding model where students in universities and colleges access loans and start repayment after completing studies.
On assessments, he said the Kenya National Educational Assessments Council Bill seeks to align national examinations with the Competency-Based Education (CBE) system.
Stakeholders urged the government to ensure the laws prepare learners for Artificial Intelligence, automation, and digital jobs and link education to economic transformation, industrialization, and job creation.
Mberia Ngetich, a chief and teacher from Endebes, asked the committee to simplify recognition of qualifications for Kenyans who studied abroad, noting the current process involving KNEC and the Kenya National Qualifications Authority is confusing.
Melly commended junior secondary school teachers for their detailed submissions, singling out Wanjala Walter for his well-researched recommendations.
He urged those with additional views to submit them in writing as the Committee continues public participation in other counties.
“We have met stakeholders from different areas, including Trans Nzoia, West Pokot, and even Bungoma. We were doing public participation, which is a constitutional process required by law that before we sign off on anything, the public must have their input,” Melly said.
By Isaiah Nayika and Sandra Omondi
