Machakos University Hosts Public Participation Forum on Proposed Education Reform Bills

On 17^th September 2026, Machakos University hosted a public participation forum on the proposed six Education Reform Bills, 2026, providing a platform for education stakeholders to deliberate on the proposed legislative changes and share views on their potential implications for Kenya’s education sector. The forum was facilitated by members of the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Education, Hon. Gisairo Ombane, MP for Kitutu Masaba, and Hon. Christine Ombaka, MP for Siaya.

The six proposed Education Reform Bills are:

1. The Basic Education Bill, 2026
2. The Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (Amendment) Bill, 2026
3. The Kenya National Qualifications Framework (Amendment) Bill, 2026
4. The Kenya National Educational Assessments Council Bill, 2026
5. The Tertiary Education, Placement and Funding Bill, 2026
6. The Pre-Service Education and In-Service Training Bill, 2026

The proposed legislation addresses different aspects of Kenya’s education system, including basic education, curriculum development, national qualifications, educational assessment, tertiary education and funding, as well as pre-service and in-service teacher education and training.

The public participation forum brought together a wide range of education stakeholders, including representatives from the Machakos County Education Board, County Director of Education–Machakos, Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), Kenya Primary School Head Teachers Association (KEPSHA), Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), Elimu Yetu Coalition, Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT), parents and students.

The engagement provided an opportunity for participants to examine the proposed reforms, raise concerns, make recommendations and contribute their perspectives to the ongoing legislative process. The participation of diverse stakeholders underscored the importance of inclusive consultation in developing education policies and legislation that respond to the needs of learners, educators, institutions and the wider society.

Machakos University continues to provide a platform for meaningful dialogue, evidence-based policy engagement and knowledge-driven contributions to national development. Through such engagements, the University remains committed to supporting conversations that contribute to the transformation and strengthening of Kenya’s education sector.