Pastoralist MPs warn against nomadic education agency dissolution by cabinet
The MPs on questioned the rationale behind including NACONEK in the list of public entities proposed for dissolution by the Cabinet last week.
The Pastoralists Parliamentary Group (PPG) has opposed the government's decision to dissolve the National Council for Nomadic Education in Kenya (NACONEK), calling for an immediate reversal of the move.
The MPs led by their chairman Mandera North MP Abdullahi Bashir argue that the decision was made without proper consultation and threatens the education of marginalized communities.
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The MPs on Wednesday questioned the rationale behind including NACONEK in the list of public entities proposed for dissolution by the Cabinet last week, noting that it does not fall under commercial entities, regulatory authorities, or state corporations.
"NACONEK is a Semi-Autonomous Government Agency (SAGA) under the Ministry of Education. It plays a critical role in ensuring education for marginalized communities, and dissolving it is a major setback," the statement read.
The Pastoralist MPs are now demanding a thorough investigation into how NACONEK ended up on the list, citing a lack of stakeholder engagement and procedural gaps.
"We want to know who recommended this move and on what basis. There was no public participation, yet NACONEK's work directly affects county governments, local communities, and international partners," the MPs said in the statement.
Cabinet resolution review
They also called for an immediate review of the Cabinet's resolution and the removal of NACONEK from the dissolution list.
"The government must protect NACONEK's operations. Its closure contradicts previous commitments to strengthen it, as recommended by the Presidential Working Party Report on Education Reforms," the legislators added.
The Pastoralist MPs also demand the immediate implementation of the Presidential Working Party's recommendations regarding NACONEK.
" Instead of being shut down, the Council's mandate should be strengthened," they said.
Impact on marginalised communities
The MPs further highlighted that that NACONEK's dissolution would severely affect pastoralist regions, which already have the highest number of out-of-school children.
"Out of the 2.5 million children not in school, 1.5 million are from pastoralist areas. Without NACONEK, this situation will only worsen," they warned.
The Pastoralist legislatures further argued that the move undermines constitutional commitments to equitable education.
"The government had previously agreed to enhance NACONEK's mandate. Now, dissolving it is a contradiction of the highest order," the statement read.
Nevertheless, the PPG reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the rights of pastoralist communities and ensuring they have access to education.
The MPs urged the government to act swiftly to protect NACONEK's role and ensure that education in marginalized regions is not neglected.
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