Public Demand Grows as Parliament Seeks Views on Key Education Bills
Committee Chair Julius Melly said public participation was essential in ensuring that the proposed laws respond to the concerns of Kenyans.
Public demand grows as parliament seeks views on key education bills. Photo : Courtesy
By Eve N Njeri
Tuesday, September 15,2026
Public pressure for reforms in Kenya’s education financing system is growing as Parliament gathers views on six proposed laws aimed at addressing challenges in the sector, including funding for universities and technical institutions.
The National Assembly Departmental Committee on Education conducted public participation forums in Kilifi and Tana River counties on Tuesday, giving residents an opportunity to comment on the proposed legislation.
Among the bills under consideration is the Higher Education Funding Bill, which seeks to strengthen the framework governing the financing of public universities and technical and vocational education and training institutions. The proposed changes also touch on the allocation of scholarships and student loans.
Committee Chair Julius Melly said public participation was essential in ensuring that the proposed laws respond to the concerns of Kenyans.
“Tunataka kuhakikisha kwamba kila Mkenya anapata fursa ya kutoa maoni yake kuhusu miswada hii sita ya elimu. Lengo letu kuu ni kuwa na sheria zitakazoboresha sekta ya elimu na kuhakikisha mfumo wa ufadhili wa elimu ya juu unakuwa wa haki na uwazi kwa wanafunzi wote,” Melly said. (We want to ensure that every Kenyan gets an opportunity to give their views regarding these six education bills. Our main goal is to have laws that will improve the education sector and ensure the higher education funding system is fair and transparent for all students.]
He said the views collected from the public would help Parliament assess the proposed reforms before the bills proceed to the next stages of consideration.
The consultations come amid continued concerns over the cost of higher education and the ability of students from low-income households to meet university and college expenses.
In Nyamira County, local leaders and residents have also renewed calls for the government to move faster in implementing measures aimed at easing the financial burden on families with children in institutions of higher learning.
The leaders urged President William Ruto’s administration to accelerate the implementation of the proposed higher education funding framework, saying poor families continue to struggle with the cost of educating their children.
“Tunamrai Rais William Ruto kuharakisha utekelezaji wa mfumo huu wa elimu ya bure na ufadhili wa elimu ya juu. Mfumo huu ukitekelezwa kwa kikamilifu, utawawezesha watoto kutoka jamii maskini kupata elimu ya juu bila kikwazo cha karo,” one of the local leaders said. (We urge President William Ruto to expedite the implementation of this free education system and higher education funding. If this system is fully implemented, it will enable children from poor families to access higher education without any school fee barriers.)
The debate over higher education financing has remained a major issue as the government seeks to establish a funding system that considers students’ financial circumstances when determining the level of support they receive.
The parliamentary committee is expected to consolidate the views collected during the public participation exercises and prepare a report for consideration by the National Assembly.
The outcome of the consultations could shape the final provisions of the proposed education laws and determine how government support for university and technical education is administered in the coming years.
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