The National Assembly’s Education Committee has reviewed a bold legislative proposal seeking to embed national values, innovation, and entrepreneurship across Kenya’s entire education system — from early childhood to university level.
The Education Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024, sponsored by Hon. Caroli Omondi, aims to amend four key laws: the Universities Act, the TVET Act, the Basic Education Act, and the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development Act. The goal is to operationalize Article 10 of the Constitution, which enshrines values such as patriotism, integrity, equity, inclusiveness, and sustainable development.
In a session held at Parliament Buildings, Hon. Omondi emphasized the importance of instilling these values early on to tackle long-standing challenges like youth unemployment and societal corruption.
“Joblessness will only be cured if we instil entrepreneurial skills from a young age,” said Hon. Omondi. “We must change the mindset.”
The Bill introduces a new subject, Nationalhood Science, designed to teach innovation, entrepreneurship, civic responsibility, and anti-corruption practices. The implementation of the program is expected to cost KShs 320 million over three years, according to the Budget and Appropriations Committee.
While members of the committee praised the bill’s intent, they raised key questions regarding its feasibility, integration with the existing Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), and the readiness of educators to teach the new content.
“What you are proposing is very good, but what are the gaps in the existing law?” asked Hon. Mary Emaase. “CBC already aims to nurture talents and skills.”
Hon. Peter Orero focused on assessment and cost implications, asking whether the new subject would rely on formative or summative evaluations and whether additional teacher training would be required. Hon. Rebecca Tonkei pointed out that universities already offer related content, while Hon. Clive Gesiaro argued for the extension of values education to public servants, suggesting a six-month course to combat post-education corruption.
Despite concerns, most committee members acknowledged the proposal as forward-looking. Hon. Jerusha Momanyi raised the issue of trainer preparedness, especially in the service sector.
“This Bill is intended for the future,” Hon. Emaase concluded.
The Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) noted that values and life skills are already part of the CBC, but challenges such as teacher capacity and limited resources have hindered effective implementation.
If passed, the Bill could significantly reshape Kenya’s education landscape by making civic duty, innovation, and entrepreneurship foundational to learning — not just add-ons.
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