The difference is even clearer when the number of streams is considered. Cluster 1 schools have an average of 8.1 streams per class, compared with 4.7 in Cluster 2, 2.7 in Cluster 3 and 1.8 in Cluster 4.
Maureen KinyanjuiThe CS appeared to take issue with former Deputy President and Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua, whose political activities in the Mt Kenya region have focused on building stronger regional cooperation ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Bradley BosireThe findings are contained in the 2026 Status of Junior School Education Report, which examined the state of junior school education across the country and highlighted weaknesses affecting learners, teachers and schools.
Maureen KinyanjuiThe ministry said it had directed Regional Directors of Education, County Directors of Education and Sub-County Directors of Education to ensure schools comply with the approved academic calendar.
Bradley BosireTeachers who have served continuously for at least 12 months in the same sub-county will be awarded 70 marks for experience and service. Those whose internship lasted less than 12 months will receive 50 marks under the same category.
Maureen KinyanjuiIn a notice issued on Tuesday, August 18, the department said the assignment will support the Commission for University Education (CUE) in reviewing, validating and preparing the framework for implementation across universities.
Bradley BosireThe agency said employers must first inform HELB when they hire a loan beneficiary. They are then required to deduct the amount prescribed for repayment from the employee’s salary and forward the money to HELB by the 15th through the HELB Employer Portal.
Bradley BosireThe Bill, sponsored by Majority leader Kimani Ichung’wah, proposes the creation of the Kenya National Educational Assessments Council to take over the role currently performed by the Kenya National Examinations Council.
Maureen KinyanjuiTSC said 7,620 public primary schools have either head teachers or deputy head teachers working in acting capacity. The situation is also common in secondary schools, with 3,612 institutions having either acting principals or deputy principals.
Maureen KinyanjuiThe proposal is part of wider changes targeting teacher training in the country and could affect about 36,000 students who were enrolled in pre-service teacher training and upgrade programmes during the 2024/25 financial year.
Maureen KinyanjuiThe proposals are contained in the Basic Education (Amendment) Bill, 2026; Kenya National Education Assessment Bill, 2026; Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (Amendment) Bill, 2026; Pre-Service Education and In-Service Training in Basic Education Bill, 2026; Tertiary Education Placement and Funding Bill, 2026; and Kenya National Qualifications Framework (Amendment) Bill, 2026.
Maureen KinyanjuiAuditor-General Nancy Gathungu has said the expenditure is irregular because Kessha is a welfare body whose members are school principals. In her view, subscriptions to the association should be paid by the principals themselves from their salaries rather than from funds held by public schools.
Maureen KinyanjuiAmong the advertised positions is Principal Legal Officer, Grade 5, under reference HELB/016. The successful candidate will oversee the formulation, review and monitoring of statutory and legal policies and procedures covering litigation, prosecution and alternative dispute resolution
Chrispho OwuorThe strategy advisor maintained that free education should be accompanied by quality learning, equity and accessibility at every level. This would require investment in teachers, infrastructure, curriculum development and other resources necessary for effective learning
Chrispho OwuorThe senator questioned how the commission decides which teachers can take part in the promotion process, particularly those who are currently deployed to junior secondary schools.
Maureen KinyanjuiThe proposed changes are part of the Tertiary Education Placement and Funding Bill 2026, which seeks to bring government support for university, college and TVET students under one institution.
Maureen KinyanjuiTreasury CS Mbadi told the Senate Committee on Labour and Social Welfare that private universities have been seeking payment for years, with his office now faced with numerous claims from institutions that provided services but were not paid.
Maureen KinyanjuiThe clarification follows information published on the front page of a local publication which HELB said gave an incorrect picture of its student financing model, loan rates and the amount of money students could owe after completing their studies.
Maureen KinyanjuiThe 2026 examination cycle comes as the education sector continues to implement reforms under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), while KCSE remains in place for secondary school candidates.
Bradley BosireIf approved, the new authority would become the only agency responsible for student loans, scholarships and public funding for universities, colleges and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions.
Maureen KinyanjuiA major proposal contained in the Tertiary Education Placement and Funding Bill is the formation of the Tertiary Education Funding Authority (TEFA), which will combine the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB), the Universities Fund Board and the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Funding Board into one institution
Maureen KinyanjuiACEK President Gabriel Jabongo said universities intending to offer engineering degree programmes are required to invite the board to inspect their facilities, curriculum, laboratories and teaching capacity before admitting students.
David AbonyoOn July 8, the commission announced 34,016 promotion vacancies covering 30 different job groups, giving thousands of teachers an opportunity to move to higher ranks.
Maureen KinyanjuiThe President said expanding the ambulance network will ensure emergency medical services are available to all Kenyans, regardless of their location, and eliminate gaps that have affected access to urgent care.
Bradley BosireThe certificates, which cost Sh1,500 and are obtained through the eCitizen payment system, can be used immediately for university admissions, college and TVET applications, scholarships, job applications, internships and other official purposes.
David AbonyoAt the centre of the investigation are questions surrounding the purchase of land in Kigali, acquisition of a loan without the required approvals, alleged movement of university funds, court cases involving landlords of the former Kigali campus and the whereabouts of assets after the campus was shut down.
Maureen KinyanjuiAccording to the senator, reports indicate that many qualified JSS teachers were unable to take part in the exercise because the TSC online application portal only recognised teachers deployed to primary and secondary schools.
Maureen KinyanjuiThe Kenya National Examinations Council, however, has been allocated only Sh9.9 billion in the current financial year, leaving it with a funding deficit of Sh6.71 billion.
Maureen KinyanjuiThe survey ranked education first among the 12 functions devolved to county governments, earning a 50 per cent performance rating in 2026. Although it retained the top position, the score marks a drop from 55 per cent recorded in 2023, though it is an improvement from 46 per cent in 2024.
David AbonyoThe briefing to Parliament comes as lawmakers continue to examine the causes of recurring school unrest and the measures being taken to prevent similar incidents in learning institutions.
Bradley Bosire