Jacob Kaimenyi, Education Committee chairperson Sabina Chege differ over regulations

Education Cabinet Secretary Jacob Kaimenyi has accused Members of Parliament of frustrating his efforts to streamline the education sector.

He said since the contentious Basic Education Regulations were sent to the National Assembly, his efforts to get communication from MPs have been futile.

"I have talked to the House Committee on Education and the Committee on Delegated Legislations but nothing is coming from them," Prof Kaimenyi said.

However, Education Committee chairperson Sabina Chege (Murang'a) accused Kaimenyi of rushing to gazette the regulations without consulting all stakeholders properly.

"He did not consult my committee on the matter. Instead he chose to take it to the other committee. We cannot interfere with the business of another committee," Ms Chege said.

She said it is now upon the William Cheptumo-led committee to bring the regulations to the House.

Mr Cheptumo Sunday said the report is ready and noted that it shall be taken to Parliament "very soon".

Key parameters

"The report is ready because we have spoken to the two teachers' unions and other stakeholders. But we do not control the House business so I cannot state when it will be presented to the House," he said.

After finalising the report, the procedure is that Cheptumo should forward it to the Speaker for signing. The report should then be taken to the House.

But Kaimenyi said the report is taking too long. He said MPs seem to drift the regulations aside "as if they are not important at all".

The CS said the regulations are loaded with key parameters aimed at anchoring the implementation of the Basic Education Act.

"We have for instance issues of repetition of classes by learners. This is well contained in the regulations, which have stuck in Parliament," he said.

He said the ministry is tightening accountability by principals and schools heads.