Kenyans call for changes to proposed education reform laws

Kenyans have called for major changes to the proposed laws seeking to reform the country’s education sector.

Stakeholders who attended public participation on the six Education Reform Bills raised concerns ranging from the funding of learners in tertiary institutions to the management of Junior Secondary Schools (JSS) and Teacher Training Colleges (TTCs).

In their submissions before the National Assembly Education Committee, the participants called for a review of the bills to address inequalities in the education system and ease the burden on learners and parents.

In Mombasa, stakeholders proposed that reforms must go beyond changing the law and address the barriers that keep many learners out of school.

“Education yetu ambaye tuko naye imetenga watu wengi. Very many people are not in the bracket of being assisted or enjoying education,” Mzee Juma Athmani said.

The proposed funding reforms have also sparked debate over how resources should reach learners and who should be responsible for managing the fund.

“Let the money go to the ward, constituency and county level depending on accountability. If you take the money back there, it means the money will not come to the ground,” KNUT trustee Dan Aloo stated.

In Kitale, stakeholders also questioned whether the proposed Basic Education Bill should replace the existing law before all its provisions have been fully implemented.

In their submissions, speaker after speaker proposed bestowing greater authority on school heads to deal with indiscipline, including taking appropriate disciplinary action against learners. There were also calls for Junior Secondary Schools to have independent leadership and administration.

“Wengine wanasema turudishe kiboko, hawajui vile sheria iko. Wanasema mwalimu saa ingine anapigwa na mtoto, jee tunachukuanga hatua mwalimu akipiga mwanafunzi, na kama ni mwanafunzi amepiga mwalimu ni hatua gani tunachukua? sisi hatutakuambia. leteni proposals,” National Assembly Education Committee Chair Julius Melly said.

The call for wider access was echoed in Kakamega, where stakeholders focused on the proposed framework for funding learners in tertiary institutions.

Stakeholders challenged the government to remove all barriers and level the playing field for all learners.

“The government as it removes fees, let it also buy books, uniforms, shoes, pens and any other material required by children in school so that we don’t have a burden of complaining to parents about how the child looks. The teaching environment should be equal for everybody,” Kakamega KUPPET SG Johnstone Wabuti said.

“We are looking at a way in which all post-secondary students can get funding... We want a situation where all students are funded; it doesn’t matter which path they choose,” Kitutu Masaba MP Clive Gisairo noted.

The proposed reforms also seek to overhaul teacher preparation and training. The Pre-Service Education and In-Service Training Bill proposes a new framework for teacher training, including the management of Teacher Training Colleges.