The Seventh Day-Adventist Church has called for an amendment of the proposed Basic Education Bill, 2026 Section 32 (1)(e), (f) and (g) to recognize it as a member of the proposed County Education Board arguing that the church is a majority sponsor in Nyanza and Western Counties.
Section 32 (1) of the Bill provides that every County Education Board shall comprise of a Chairperson and fifteen other members appointed by the Cabinet Secretary.
It further provides under Section 32 (e), for a representative of the National Council of Churches in Kenya and Evangelical Fellowship of Kenya, as well as for (f) a representative of the Kenya Episcopal Conference, and in (g) a representative of the Muslims Education Council.
What changes to Education bill is SDA church proposing?
It is against this provision that the Seventh Day- Adventist Church representatives in Nyamira County, told the National Assembly Committee on Education that the church opposes the provision, and instead proposed it should be amended to read; three persons representing a majority-based sponsor, one each where applicable.
“We propose to retain the rendering as it was in the 2013 Education Act to include option of any other majority faith-based institution that could be having more institutional presence in that region, replacing the one that could be having less,” Pastor Enock Ooga who represented the Adventist Church told the Julius Melly-led Committee.
Meanwhile in Migori County, the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education (KUPPET) told the Committee that the definition of Comprehensive Education in the Bill was confusing. They insisted that instead, the law provides for public primary, junior and senior schools.
What proposed education bill says about tuition fees, extra levies
In relation to Clause 11, on tuition fees and extra levies, and which prescribes that no tuition fee shall be paid to a public school, KUPPET Migori Branch called for a very clear provision on what the government should pay as capitation.
“For a smooth running of public schools, Clause 11 of this Bill should clearly state role of each stakeholder; the government and the parent. Once established, each should play their role efficiently and pay on time for us as school principals to run the institution smoothly,” Willy Otunga the KUPPET Migori Executive Secretary said.
MP Melly while encouraging the stakeholders to keep sending their memoranda via the provided email address, underscored the role of public views in the legislative process.
“What you’ve given us shall form part of the law. We are here to hear you and get your views. You are the final people in decision making,”
The Committee is set to conclude the public participation exercise on Friday, October 2, 2026, with visits to Bomet and Samburu counties.
