Education

The MPs raised concerns that some schools receive excess books while others have none, questioning the Institute’s handling of its Sh1.18 billion budget for the 2024/2025 financial year.

Technical University of Kenya Vice Chancellor Benedict Mutua confirmed that his institution has already taken disciplinary action.

PS Mang’eni explained that the application process was conducted digitally through the Hustler Fund platform, using the zero-rated code *254#, to ensure equal access for all young people, including those using basic feature phones.

The legislators expressed concern that, despite assurances from the Ministry of Education, schools are still struggling to access essential funds needed for operations ahead of national examinations.

Union leaders walked out of the meeting, accusing the government of failing to honour commitments on outstanding salary arrears under the 2017–2021 Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs).

The first term will begin on January 5, 2026, and run for 13 weeks, ending on April 2, 2026. Learners will enjoy a half-term break from February 25 to March 1 before completing the term.

The compliance audit, which sampled eight universities, found that the institutions held unclaimed financial assets in the form of caution money and overpaid fees.

MPs expressed concern that with only two weeks left before the end of the third term, many schools had not received government disbursements, severely disrupting operations.

The 2026 rankings evaluated 2,191 institutions from 115 countries, focusing on the quality of teaching, research excellence, international outlook, and engagement with industry and society.

The staff argue that the delay in implementing the 2017–2021 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) has created financial strain for thousands of employees.

The Ministry of Education believes the sub-county system will resolve these disputes and ensure students receive their certificates without unnecessary hurdles.

MPs expressed concern that KISE’s essential services were still concentrated in Nairobi, leaving many learners with disabilities in rural counties underserved.

University unions have urged Parliament to compel Treasury and Education Ministry to release Sh7.9 billion in unpaid salary arrears, warning that lecturers will not resume work until a new pay deal is negotiated.

The standoff adds to growing tensions in learning institutions across the country, where teacher welfare and security have increasingly come under scrutiny following waves of student unrest.

During a march outside the University of Nairobi on Wednesday, UASU National Chairperson Grace Nyongesa said lecturers would not return to work until the dispute is resolved.

The petition has called for urgent interventions to ensure practical, hands-on learning in AI, robotics, data science and cybersecurity is incorporated into schools nationwide.

Wajir County now boasts three teachers' training colleges — Wajir TTC, Tarbaj TTC, and Eldas TTC — all aimed at addressing the region’s longstanding teacher shortage.

Education PS Julius Bitok instructed all regional, county, and sub-county directors of education to communicate this directive to head teachers in both public and private schools within their jurisdictions.

MPs said the continued absence of candidates from school threatens their readiness for upcoming national exams.

The Placement Service has also requested Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) to submit its approved programmes and capacities for publication in the online placement system ahead of the 2026 placement exercise.

Ogamba admitted that some schools were breaching ministry rules by requiring pupils to report too early, reiterating that official learning hours are from 8:00am to 3:00pm.

KUSU Secretary General Charles Mukhwaya accused Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba of mishandling the negotiations and undermining a court ruling.

Through their legal representatives, the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) claims that recurring unrest at Litein Boys’ High School has become a financial burden to parents and points to a possible pattern of exploitation by the school’s administration.

MPs have initiated steps through the Parliamentary Directorate of Legal Services to propose targeted legislation aimed at curbing mismanagement and ensuring prompt resolution of audit queries.

The framework outlines how teachers will be selected, matched with suitable openings, and deployed through formal agreements between Kenya and foreign governments or institutions.

KPA Chairperson Kiarie Kamau said the debt has affected not only publishers but also authors, distributors, and even the Kenya Revenue Authority, underlining the wide-ranging impact of the delayed payments.

KUCCPS has also drafted a Bill seeking operational independence and the exclusive mandate to oversee placement for both government-sponsored and self-sponsored students.

The successful candidate will be appointed for a five-year term, renewable once based on performance, with remuneration determined by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC).

School heads say the delays have crippled operations, leaving institutions unable to purchase essential materials and equipment needed for exam sessions.

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba said the restructuring will not lead to any job losses, assuring staff that essential services and oversight will continue uninterrupted.

According to the report, the institutions used 62 per cent of their total Sh100 billion revenue on personnel emoluments, leaving little for development and operations.

Used well, AI can help generate practice questions, provide feedback, and stimulate dialogue (if students are guided to critically engage with its outputs).

Only 14 per cent of low-income countries have policies mandating continuing professional development for primary school teachers.

According to Treasury CS John Mbadi, the government released the agreed Sh4.3 billion to universities and a further Sh2.7 billion this year.

The tutors argue that the figures in question are well documented and that further verification is a ploy to delay their dues.

The union is pushing for the independence of the Junior Secondary wing or, alternatively, the transfer of JSS to existing secondary schools.

A section of the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) officials said the directive was an attempt to silence teachers ahead of the union’s elections slated for January 2026.

Under the proposal, CUE would be empowered to set quotas for specific programmes that produce the highest number of unemployed graduates, particularly in the social sciences.

Jepkosgei Chemoiwa’s recognition places her among the continent’s most celebrated educators and highlights the enduring impact of teachers committed to shaping the next generation.

CS Julius Ogamba said that the ongoing audit of learners and institutions is now 75 per cent complete. Preliminary results show that around 50,000 students listed in the system do not exist, with more irregularities expected as the audit progresses.

The council will also pilot digital smart padlocks in 250 exam storage containers. These locks will allow real-time monitoring and reduce the risks of unauthorised access. KNEC officials handling the locks will undergo thorough training before the exams begin.

Njengere added that registration for the exams had already been completed, with KCSE attracting 996,078 candidates, KPSEA 1,298,089, and the inaugural KJSEA under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) expected to reach 1,130,669 candidates. Overall, more than 3.4 million learners will sit national assessments across the country.

The amendments, currently facing a legal challenge, were widely seen as a strategy to help long-serving officials retain control.

Documents presented during the session show that the title deed was collected by the Ministry of Education on September 9, 2016, and despite repeated efforts, the school has yet to recover it.

Legislators expressed concern over the proliferation of forged degrees, insufficient staffing and the Sh935.7 million debt owed to the Commission.

Students interested in applying are required to log in to the KUCCPS Students’ Portal, where they can view detailed programme requirements and submit their applications online.

As the financial dispute remains unresolved, the strike has amplified existing challenges in public universities, including crumbling infrastructure and growing frustration among students and lecturers. The outcome of the upcoming conciliation talks will determine whether learning resumes soon or the crisis deepens further.

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba said the reforms are aimed at strengthening independence, addressing staffing shortages and refining the structural framework of JSS.

CS Ogamba stressed that institutions must no longer cover up acts of destruction and indiscipline.

Nominated Senator Catherine Mumma, who chaired the session, warned that both girls and boys are increasingly vulnerable to abuse in schools.

His statement follows a surge of unrest that has swept through several schools, forcing closures and causing property losses worth millions of shillings.