Senate Education Committee retreat to review basic education reforms
By Ndiritu Wanjiru, March 30, 2026The Senate Education Committee has conducted a critical report writing retreat in Machakos County to review stakeholder submissions on the Basic Education Amendment Bill, 2023, in a move aimed at strengthening Kenya’s education sector.
Confirming the retreat on their social media handles on Monday, March 30, 2026, the Parliament of Kenya has stated that the retreat, chaired by Senator Betty Montet, is set to review the input from major stakeholders such as Usawa Agenda, Council of Governors, Elimu Yetu Coalition, Kenya Institute for Special Education, Teachers Service Commission, and National Parents Association, and that their feedback is expected to guide amendments to enhance policy, governance, and service delivery across the education sector.
“In the ongoing deliberations, the Committee is considering input from key stakeholders, including Usawa Agenda, the Council of Governors, Elimu Yetu Coalition, the Kenya Institute for Special Education, the Teachers Service Commission, and the National Parents Association, among others.
“The proposed legislation seeks to amend the Basic Education Act by establishing sub-county education boards to decentralise oversight. The boards, comprising a chairperson and six members appointed by the Cabinet Secretary, will play a critical role in managing education data, assessing school budgetary needs, and overseeing infrastructure funding,” Parliament’s statement read in part.
According to the Parliament, a key proposal under consideration is the creation of sub-county education boards, which would decentralise oversight and improve management of education data, school budgets, and infrastructure funding. Each board would consist of a chairperson and six members appointed by the Cabinet Secretary.
Committee to review implementation status of ECDE and VTC reports
In addition, the committee confirmed finalising a report on the implementation status of Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) and Vocational Training Centres (VTCs) in Machakos County, Kitui County, and Makueni County.
The Parliament further noted that the findings from this retreat will be adopted by the committee and tabled in the Senate, marking a significant step toward improving education quality, decentralising management, and enhancing service delivery across Kenya’s counties.
The retreat has brought together key members of the committee, including Vice Chair Senator Prof. Margaret Kamar, Senator Catherine Mumma, Senator Nderitu Kinyua, Senator Agnes Kavindu Muthama and Senator Seki Lenku, who are collectively reviewing submissions aimed at strengthening the education sector.