Education

Her mother, Virginia Mawewu, said the gum was left in the bag by accident and that her daughter immediately admitted the mistake.

An audit covering the financial year ending June 30, 2024, has revealed that most institutions are operating far beyond legal salary limits, exposing a sector in crisis.

HELB confirmed that first-time applicants now have until September 14 to apply. Continuing students, meanwhile, have until September 7, extended from the previous August 31 deadline.

The school reiterated the timeline for applicants: “Advocates Training Programme (ATP) – 2026/2027 Academic Year - Applications are open for the ATP beginning February 9, 2026.

Ogamba explained that last year, the government conducted a thorough analysis of the actual cost of each university programme and subsequently reduced fees across all programmes by between 15 and 40 per cent.

Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok cited a special audit by the Auditor General, which flagged instances where funds were not reaching the intended schools.

UASU official Duncan Mukhwana said the union is aware of attempts to force lecturers back to work through threats of termination.

The Committee, chaired by Bumula MP Wanami Wamboka, undertook the visits to follow up on audit queries flagged by the Auditor-General in relation to the two institutions

Teachers argue that the policy is discriminatory and undermines the principle of equal opportunity in hiring.

The teachers further raised concerns over promotion policies, which they say have left many of them sidelined.

National Secretary of the Kenya Teachers in Hardship and Arid Areas Welfare Association, Ndung’u Wangenye, protested the allocations, calling for affirmative action in favour of marginalised regions.

Milemba recalled that last term ended earlier than scheduled because of similar funding delays, insisting that the government must urgently act to avoid a repeat.

The Universities Fund and HELB have already disbursed funds to 802,159 university and TVET students nationwide, with upkeep funds being sent directly to students’ designated payment channels as they report to their institutions.

Under the new deal, resignation or dismissal no longer leads to total loss of benefits, as those leaving service will now qualify for gratuity and pension. Previously, teachers who exited under such circumstances forfeited these benefits entirely.

Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok said the directive will affect prayer sessions, social events and other non-academic gatherings, which he noted could distract candidates during the crucial period.

In Nairobi, results can be collected at the Foreign Examinations Office located at the New Mitihani House. In Mombasa, candidates are required to go to the Uhuru na Kazi Building, fourth floor.

Universities Academic Staff Union said negotiations with the university management, led by Vice Chancellor Prof Kiplagat Kotut, have failed to yield a solution even after more than a week of industrial action.

Secondary school candidates will sit the KCSE between November 3 and 21, 2025.

The term comes with strict government regulations, suspended co-curriculars and delayed funding that has left schools on edge.

Statistics show enrolment at TTCs has risen from 10,000 students in 2021 to more than 27,000 currently following the reforms.

Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) Deputy Secretary General Moses Nthurima also raised the alarm, saying the delay had set up schools for a financial crisis.

The intake targets KCSE holders from 2000 to 2024, who can apply for diploma, craft, and artisan certificate programmes with the following minimum grade requirements: diploma (Level 6) – C-, craft certificate (Level 5) – D, and artisan certificate (Level 4) – E.

According to the guidelines, teachers aged 57 years and above stand to gain the most, with the scoring system heavily rewarding length of service and accumulated experience.

The Elimu Bora Working Group called for President William Ruto to release the report and recommendations of the presidential working party on education reform to address the issues.

The union also criticised counties for mismanaging essential services such as healthcare, cautioning that placing education under devolved units would threaten quality.

This comes even as most students reported that they have not received Helb funds released by the Ministry of Education on Tuesday, leaving many struggling to settle tuition and upkeep charges.

The initiative is aimed at ensuring the safety of learners by checking the roadworthiness of school transport vehicles before schools reopen for the new term. The clinics will help identify potential risks and provide guidance to schools and vehicle owners on corrective measures to enhance safety.

First-year students who reported to campuses on Monday, August 18, 2025, expressed confusion after many were unsure how much to pay following the government’s directive to reduce university fees.

He pointed out that in the 2021–2025 CBA, teachers had secured no salary increments, receiving only paternity and maternity benefits as Covid-19 disrupted talks.

The policy, developed jointly by the Council of Governors and Food4Education, seeks to ensure that no child starts the school day hungry.

Student enrolment has plunged from 48,000 in 2015 to just 21,000 currently, a decline that has sharply reduced tuition income and intensified financial pressures.

They want junior schools to be recognised as a stand-alone tier, separate from both primary and senior schools.

Some students reported being asked to make upfront payments of up to Sh50,000 before admission, even as many await disbursement of loans from the Higher Education Loans Board.

Students have until August 28, 2025, to apply via the KUCCPS student portal and secure a spot in their preferred courses.

Gathungu said the universities did not have legal evidence to confirm ownership of the assets reflected in their financial statements.

KNUT officials dismissed the move, warning that devolving primary and secondary education would destabilise the sector, citing counties’ weak handling of Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE).

TSC Acting CEO Evaleen Mitei said the commission developed the system to ensure equitable distribution and optimal deployment of teachers while advancing the digitisation goals in its 2023–2027 Strategic Plan.

In a circular, the commission explained that the deployment is meant to ensure that teachers with the right qualifications and experience teach Junior Secondary learners.

The Basic Education (Amendment) Bill, 2025, sponsored by Sirisia MP John Waluke, proposes lifestyle audits for bursars and accountants in schools and institutes of basic education.

Semester fees for students will now range from a minimum contribution of Sh5,814 to a maximum of Sh75,000, depending on the student’s level of need and the cost of the program they are enrolled in.

The audit covering 42 universities found that Sh10.96 billion of the debt is long-term, while Sh68.4 billion represents current liabilities.

Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof Kiplagat Kotut, said the University is actively engaging with UASU leadership, the Ministry of Education, and other relevant parties to address staff concerns through constructive dialogue.

Applicants need an admission letter from a recognised Kenyan university or training institution. They must submit certified copies of their three latest payslips showing a net pay above one-third of their basic salary.

Committee members took issue with both the tone and content of the report. Committee chair and Tinderet MP Julius Melly told the group their presentation lacked depth and value.

The combined recruitments offer over 45,000 positions, including over 21,000 teaching and leadership vacancies and 24,000 internship roles for junior school teachers.

The union has called for a clear promotion framework that would allow teachers in job group C3 to move to C4 after three years without the need for an interview. Interviews would only be necessary for promotions from C4 upwards.

The initiative follows concerns raised by head teachers during the first forum held in Muranga County, where they highlighted delays in capitation payments, inadequate school infrastructure, and frustrations over teacher promotion processes.

The legislators have now proposed reforms, including separating ECDE from primary schools, to ensure better planning, resource allocation and tailored programmes for young learners.

The placement body has invited Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) holders from the years 2000 to 2024 to apply.

They are separately charged with unlawfully failing to supervise children in a moving motor vehicle, a school van that was under their care.

Kuppet insists the existing Minet Teachers Medical Scheme, managed by MKL Minet under contract with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), is guaranteed by the 2025–2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).