Tinderet MP Julius Melly receives a memorandum from stakeholders during public participation in NandiTechnical and Vocational Education and Training institutions have demanded representation in the governance of the proposed Tertiary Education Funding Authority.
TEFA is contained in the Tertiary Education, Placement and Funding Bill, 2026, which is undergoing public participation.
The Bill, if passed, would significantly restructure how universities, TVETs and other tertiary institutions are financed.
The proposed law would, among other things, repeal the Helb Act and transfer its functions, assets, liabilities and staff to TEFA.
Stakeholders argue that while the proposed merger could streamline financing, governance must reflect the diversity of institutions that will depend on the authority.
“We are requesting that we, vocational training centres, be included in the governance of the proposed funding Authority,” the TVETs said in a presentation to the National Assembly Education Committee.
They want representatives of TVETs and tertiary colleges involved in decision-making on student loans, scholarships, funding allocation and other programmes administered by Tefa.
The stakeholders say their inclusion would ensure the authority understands the different financial and operational needs of universities, TVET institutions and tertiary colleges.
The demand was made during public participation on the proposed Education Reform Bills by stakeholders at Ol’lessos Technical Training Institute in Nandi county.
The management of Ol’lessos National Polytechnic urged Parliament to provide for TVET representation in the governance structure of the proposed authority, alongside increased funding to support institutions and their trainees.
The stakeholders said the proposed Tertiary Education and Funding Bill should also guarantee adequate resources for vocational training centres, which they argued play a critical role in equipping young people with technical and practical skills.
“TVETs have been underfunded for long and it is time this is addressed as they play a key role in the education sector,” the submission reads.
Student leaders at Ol’lessos called for a fair and transparent funding system, affordable interest rates, flexible loan repayment terms and timely disbursement of scholarships and loans.
The public participation exercise was conducted by the National Assembly Education Committee, chaired by Tinderet MP Julius Melly.
On basic education, the Kenya National Union of Teachers supported retention of the comprehensive school model, while the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers called for distinct administrative and governance structures for different levels of education, including autonomous Junior Secondary Schools.
Stakeholders also called for stronger investment in teacher development.
The Centre for Mathematics, Science and Technology Education in Africa (Cemastea) urged Parliament to formally anchor its role in in-service teacher training in the Basic Education Bill.
Moi University, in its submission before the committee, proposed that the Kenya Education Management Institute transition into the Kenya School of Education within three years.
On learner discipline, stakeholders advocated stronger guidance and counselling as an alternative to corporal punishment, while Knut called for full government funding of co-curricular activities.
The committee received submissions from Kessha, Kepsha, the Catholic Diocese of Nandi, National Body of Chaplaincy, Mosoriot TTC, Ol’lessos National Polytechnic, vocational training centres, the Parents Association, education officials, Boards of Management representatives and members of the public.
The committee will consider the concerns raised and incorporate relevant recommendations into its report.
Instant analysis
The stakeholders said the proposed Tertiary Education and Funding Bill should also guarantee adequate resources for vocational training centres, which they argued play a critical role in equipping young people with technical and practical skills.
