MPs seek stronger legal backing for informal schools in education bill talks
By Kiprono Keileb, July 31, 2025The National Assembly Committee on Education has intensified public engagement on the Basic Education (Amendment) Bill, 2025, as stakeholders called for greater support and formal recognition of informal schools that serve marginalised communities across Kenya.
Held at Parliament Buildings on Thursday, July 31, the session brought together key players in the education sector, including representatives from World Vision Kenya, the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), the Complementary Schools Association of Kenya (CSAK), and the Kenya Private Schools Association (KPSA).
The bill, sponsored by Mathare MP Antony Oluoch, seeks to align existing education laws with policies governing alternative learning models, particularly the Alternative Provision of Basic Education and Training (APBET). This framework supports non-traditional schools, especially those in informal settlements.
Stakeholders pushed for amendments that would provide legal clarity on curriculum development, teacher representation, staffing, and resource allocation for APBET institutions. Concerns were also raised over sections of the bill that appear to duplicate existing provisions in the Basic Education Act and the 2015 Education Regulations.
The Solicitor General’s Office recommended scrapping Clause 7, which seeks to assign infrastructure responsibilities to the Education Cabinet Secretary, arguing the function is already addressed in current law.
Meanwhile, World Vision Kenya urged the government to guarantee staffing and capitation support for APBET schools; on the other hand, KPSA warned against new levies and data-sharing demands that could strain low-fee private schools serving vulnerable learners.
The Education Committee is now expected to consolidate the feedback into a report for tabling in the National Assembly.